LILY AND LOTUS. 

[From the Philadelphia Press, September 10th, 1882.) 

" Bordentown, N, J., is the proud possessor of a Victoria regia in full bloom ia the 
open air. It is the first specimen which has ever been known to live under similar 
circumstances in a northern latitude, and a large number of persons from far and near 
have visited the grounds of E. D. Siurtevant, where the royal aquatic plant is on view, 
and the many other attractions of the celebrated Jersey city have been entirely placed 
in the shade by the unique spectacle. Mr. Sturtevant has also succeeded in acclimatizing 
many other specimens of tropical water plants. In tanks about his grounds he possesses, 
perhaps, the rarest and most complete collection of Water Lilies ever witnessed in this 
country. He is quite an enthusiast in their culture, and understands all their habits, 
and willingly explained their many marvels and beauties to a Press reporter, who visited 
the exhibition yesterday. The Victoria regia was displayed in a large tank, measuring 
about thirty by twenty feet in length and width. The water was two and a half feet deep. 
In the center, reposing lovingly by the side of a recently born leaf, was the Regia flower, 
a beautiful hemisphere of snowy-white petals, measuring twelve inches across. Surround- 
ing the flower were her leaves, five in number, perfectly round rafts of green, with 
upturned edges, and measuring six feet in diameter. The water side of the leaves is a 
network of veins and ribs armed with sharp thorns, and the whole structure of each 
leaf is so substantial that a boy of twelve might safely trust his weight upon one. 

*• When the flower bud makes its appearance, it opens petal by petal, and the most 
delicious odor perfumes the air, which is perceptible at quite a distance. In the course 
of two days the flower becomes a mass of pink and yellow, and after remaining in that 
state for several hours it slowly folds its petals, droops its head beneath the water and 
dies. The next day a new bud arises from the water, and so on in constant succession 
until the middle of the Autumn. I believe this is the only instance of a Victoria regia 
ever having reached perfection in a northern climate in the open air. Naturalists and 
botanists have traveled from long distances to see this magnificent specimen m Mr. 
Sturtevant's garden." 

"The interior of the Metropolitan Concert Hall, at Broadway and Forty- fifth street, 
looked like a beautiful garden last evening, when the regular Autumn exhibition of the 
New York Horticultural Society was opened. The attendance of visitors was very large, 
and the display of flowers and fruits both extensive and beautiful. The managers them- 
selves were jubilant, declaring it to be the best display they had yet had. The chief 
feature of the entire display last evening was the collection of Water Lilies exhibited by 
E. D. Sturtevant. In addition to the regular prize, the committee awarded a special 
premumium to Mr. Sturtevant."— -ATew York Times, September 28th, 18S0. 

"The wonderful display of rare Water Lilies, at Horticultural Hall, during yesterday 
and last evening, commanded the admiration of every one who visited the exhibition. 
Nymphffla Devoniensis, a scarlet Lily a foot across, and the mammoth Victoria regia, with 
leaves five feet in diameter, with an opening flower, were the principal features, though 
there are several other Lilies seldom shown." — Boston Post. September 20th, 1S83. 

" The Fifty-fifth Annual Exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society was 
opened at 3 P.M. yesterday, in the hall, on Tremont street." * * * <'But 
the display which attracted decidedly the most attention was a novel one at these exhi- 
bitions, that is, the immense leaves, fully as large as a cartwheel, (to use a Jomely illus- 
-**ration,) of the giant Water Lily, Victoria regia. This plant was grown by Mr. Edmund 
D. Sturtevant, of Bordentown, N. J. , r , ^ l ^t l 

" In the upper hall an additional tank is placed, where the wonderful scarlet Water 
Lilies, or Nympheeas, are displayed. These flowers offer an exhibition, particularly at 
night, rarely to be witnesed in this country."— 5o5/on Herald, September 19th, 18S3. 

•'AQUATICS.— The grand show made at Fairmount Park, and particularly the 
exquisite display made by E. D. Sturtevant, at Horticultural Hall, at the meeting in Sep- 
. tember, have shown people how much pleasure these beautiful plants can give. Mr. 
Sturtevant had the famous Victoria regia, both in leaf and flower, giving pleasure by the 
sight of its huge and wonderfully-constructed leaves, and by the delicious fragrance the 
flower cast around. Then there was the pink Lotus of the Egyptians, with its parasol- 
like leaves pushing up above the water, as if in rivalry of the handsome flowers. 

" Pond Lilies or Nympheeas, scarlet, red white and blue, from difi^erent sections ot 
the world, were blooming together, and the Water Soldier, a sort of marine grand army 
of flora, contributed its share of interest to hundreds of observers."— £'d»<om^ mtes in the 
Gardener's Monthly, December, 1883. 



CATALOGUE 





lit 



And other Choice Aquatic Plants, with Directions 
for their Culture. Also, a List of 



meuut) 






IW 



FOR SALE BY 



EDMUND D. STURTEVANT, 



CORNER OF FARNSWORTH AVENUE AND UNION STREET, 



BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY. 



3). 



TRENTON, N. J. 

MacCrELLISII & (iUIGLEY, PRINTERS, N(). 16 EaST StATE StREET. 

1885. 



Si 



.Si 



The following are a few of the names which have been placed on our list of 
patrons during the last five years : 

Prof. Asa Gray, of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 

Prof. Spencer F. Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, Smithsonian Institution, 

Washington, D. C. 

C. H. Miller, Esq., Superintendent Horticultural Hall, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Directors of Zoological Society, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Pa. 

Prof. T. G. Richardson, University of Louisiana, New Orleans, La. 

Commissioners of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, Cal. 

Directors of Orphan Asylum, Lynchburg, Va. 

Hon. James Arkell, Canajoharie, N. Y. 

L. H. Meyer, Esq., Staten Island, N. Y. 

Pierre Lorillard, Esq., New York. 

George Thomas, M. D., West Whiteland, Pa. 

A. Gibbons, Esq., Coatesville, Pa. 

F. Leap Smith, Esq., Reading, Pa. 

R. H. Warder, Esq., North Bend, Ohio. 

Dr. F. L. Yoakum, Palestine, Texas. 

Prop. Fairman Rogers, Newport, R. I. 

George R. Emmerion, Esq., Salem, Mass. 

Prof. W. J. Beal, Michigan Agricultural College. 

Mass. Agricultural College, Amherst, Mass. 

Botanical Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 



If ®T1CE* ^ 



Since the issue of the first edition of our catalogue, in the Spring of 1881, 
the interest in the culture of choice aquatic plants has steadily increased. We 
have received patronage from every State in the Union, and numerous letters 
indicate a growing enthusiasm in this direction. We have increased our facilities 
for growing to perfection our floral treasures, having built a basin fifty by 
thirty-six feet, and two and a half feet deep, which we have christened " Our 
Water Lily Garden." In it, of a Summer's morning, could have been seen as 
many as fifty gorgeous blossoms of Nymph sea Devoniensis open at one time, 
numerous other Water Lilies, representing nearly every color in the rainbow, 
and the Lotus, " delicious as the rose and stately as the lily in her pride," 
altogether presenting a most charming spectacle. These, with the grand Victoria 
regia, successfully grown and flowered in an open-air tank by itself, have attracted 
to our garden a multitude of visitors from far and near. We are constantly 
adding choice varieties to our list, and intend to maintain our reputation for 
possessing the largest and most complete collection of aquatics in the country. 
We beg to assure our former patrons that we hope to give them many pleasant 
surprises in the not distant future. Many of our correspondents have expressed 
themselves highly gratified with the contents of our catalogue. This issue 
contains additional matter, not usually found in plant catalogues, which we 
trust our readers will find equally interesting. 

At the combined exhibitions of the American Pomological Society and the 
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, held at Philadelphia, in September, 1883, 
we were awarded a special premium for a display of our Lilies. During the 
same month, by special invitation of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 
we exhibited in Boston, and were awarded by them a Silver Medal for the Neiv 
Purple Water Lily, and three other prizes, viz.: one for the "Victoria regia," one 
for " Nelumbium speciosum," and one for "Nympheeas in variety." During 
July, August and September is the best time to see our collection. The bloom 
is most abundant in August. 

Bordentown is located on the Delaware river, six miles below Trenton, and 
may be reached at almost any hour of the day by trains from New York or 
Philadelphia. 

Our garden is located on the principal street of the town, and is only ten 
minutes' walk from the station. 

All orders from unknown correspondents must be accompanied with the 
cash. 

N. B, — No discount to the trade on the choicer varieties of aquatics 
except by special arrangement. 

Native kinds supplied to the trade in quantity at cheap rates. 

All plants are sent by express, unless specially ordered otherwise. This is 
by far the most satisfactory way. To remote points, including the Pacific coast, 
we will, whenever practicable, send by mail, post paid. As some kinds are too 
bulky to be sent thus, this matter must be largely left to our discretion. 



E. D. STURTEVANT& CATALOGUE. 



pjmn ^0 \\z FIoWep^. 



[The following exquisite verses, from the pen of Horace Smith, are well worthy of 
republication and reperusal at least once a year :] 

Day -stars! that ope your eyes with man, to 
twinkle, 
From rainbow galaxies of earth's crea- 
tion, 
And dew-drops on her lonely altars sprinkle 
As a libation — 

Ye matin worshipers I who, bending lowly, 
Before the uprisen sun, God's lidless eye. 
Throw from your chalices a sweet and holy 
Incense on high ! 

Ye bright mosaics 1 that with storied beauty 

The floor of Nature's temple tesselate, 
What num'rous emblems of instructive duty 

Your forms create I 
'Neath clustered boughs, each floral bell 
that swingeth 
And tolls its perfume on the passing air. 
Makes Sabbath in the fields, and ever 
ringeth 

A call for prayer ! 

Not to the domes, where crumbling arch 
and column 
Attest the feebleness of mortal hand ; 
But to that fane most catholic and solemn, 
Which God hath planned — 

To that cathedral, boundless as our wonder, 
Whose quenchless lamps the sun and 
moon supply — 
Its choir the wind and waves — its organ 
thunder — 

Its dome the sky I 

There, as in solitude and shade I wander 
Through the green isles, or stretched 
upon the sod. 
Awed by the silence, reverently ponder 
The ways of God — 

Your voiceles lips, flowers, are living 
preachers, 
Each cup a pulpit, every leaf a book. 
Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers. 
From loneliest nook. 



Floral apostles 1 that in dewy splendor 
"Weep without woe, and blush without 
a crime," 
Oh ! may I deeply learn and ne'er surrender 
Your lore sublime I 

"Thou wert not, Solomon, in all thy glory. 
Arrayed," the lilies cry, "in robes like 
ours ; 
How vain your grandeur ! ah I how transi- 
tory 

Are Human Flowers ! " 

In the sweet-scented pictures. Heavenly 
Artist I 
With which thou paintest Nature's wide- 
spread hall. 
What a delightful lesson thou impartest 
Of love to all ! 

Not useless are ye, flowers, though made 
for pleasure, 
Blooming o'er field and wave, by day 

and night ; 
From every source your sanction bids me 
treasure 

Harmless delight ! 

Ephemeral sages 1 what instructors hoary 
For such a world of thought could fur- 
nish scope ? 
Each fading calyx a memento mori, 
Yet fount of hope ! 

Posthumous glories ! angel-like collection. 
Upraised from seed or bulb interred in 
earth, 
Ye are to me a type of resurrectioji 
And second birth ! 

Were I, God ! in churchless lands re- 
maining, 
Far from all voice of teachers and di- 
vines. 
My voice would find in flowers of thy 
ordaining. 

Priests, sermons, shrines ! 



WATEB LILIES. 



[From the Atlantic Monthly.] 

* * * Almost every town has its Lily pond. Ours is accessible from the larger lake 
only by taking the skifiF over a narrow embankment, which protects our fairy land by its 
presence. Once beyond it, we are in a realm of dark Lethean water, utterly unlike the 
sunny depths of the main lake. Hither the Water Lilies have retreated, to a domain of 
their own. A decline in businesE is clear revenue to Water Lilies, and the waters are 
higher than usual because factories are idle. But we may notice, in observing the shores, 
that peculiar charm of water, that, whether its quantity be greater or less, its grace is the 
same ; it makes its own boundary in lake or river, and where its edge is, there seems the 
natural and permanent margin. And the same natural fitness, without reference to mere 
quantity, extends to its children. Before us lie islands and continents of Lilies, acres of 
charms, whole vast unbroken surfaces of stainless whiteness. And yet, as we approach 
them, every islanded cup that floats in lonely dignity, apart from the multitude, appears 
as perfect in itself, couched in white expanded perfection, its reflection taking a faint 
glory of pink, that is scarcely perceptible in the flower. As we glide gently among them, 
the air grows fragrant, and a stray breeze flaps the leaves, as if to welcome us. Each 
floating flower becomes suddenly a ship at anchor, or rather seems beating up against the 
Summer wind, in a regatta of blossoms. Early as it is, the greater part of the flowers are 
already expanded. Indeed, that experience of Thoreau's, of watching them open in the 
first sunbeams, rank by rank, is not easily obtained, unless, perhaps, in a narrow stream, 
where the beautiful slumberers are more regularly marshalled. In our lake, at least, they 
open irregularly, though rapidly. But this morning many linger as buds, while others 
peer up in half-expanded beauty, beneath the lifted leaves, frolicksome as Pucks or baby- 
nymphs. As you raise the leaf, in such cases, it is impossible not to imagine that a pair 
of tiny hands have upheld it, or else that the pretty head will dip down again and dis- 
appear. Others, again, have expanded all but the inmost pair of white petals, and these 
spring apart at the first touch of the finger on the stem. Some spread vast vases of 
fragrance, six or seven inches in diameter, while others are small and delicate, with petals 
like fine lace-work. Smaller still, we sometimes pass a flotilla of infant leaves an inch in 
diameter. All these grow from the deep, dark water — and the blacker it is, the fairer 
their whiteness shows. But your eye follows the stem often vainly into those sombre 
depths, and vainly seeks to behold Sabrina fair, sitting with her twisted braids of Lilies, 
beneath the glassy, cool, but not translucent wave. Do not start, when in such an effort 
only your own dreamy face looks back upon you, beyond the gunwale of the reflected 
boat, and you find that you float double — self and shadow. Let us rest our paddles and 
look around us, while the idle motion sways our light skiff onwards, now half embayed 
among the Lily pads, now lazily gliding over intervening gulfs. There is a great deal 
going on in these waters and their fringing woods and meadows. All the Summer long 
the pond is bordered with successive walls of flowers. In early Spring emerge the yellow 
catkins of the Swamp Willow, first ; then the long tassels of the graceful Alders expand 
and droop until they weep their yellow dust upon the water ; then come the Birch blos- 
soms, more tardily ; then the downy leaves and white clusters of the Medlar or Shad- 
bush ( Amelanchier canadensis of Gray) ; these dropping, the roseate chalices of the Moun- 
tain Laurel open ; as they fade into melancholy brown, the sweet Azalea uncloses ; and 
before its last honeyed blossom has trailed down, dying, from the stem, the more fragrant 
Clethra starts out above, the Buttonbush thrusts forth its merry face amid wild Eoses, 
and the Clematis waves its sprays of beauty. Mingled with these, grow lower, the 
Spiraeas, white and pink, yellow Touch-me not, fresh white Arrowhead, bright blue Ver- 
vain and Skullcap, dull Snakehead, gay Monkey-flower, coarse Eupatoriums, Milkweeds, 
Golden Rods, Asters, Thistles and a host beside. Beneath, the brilliant scarlet Cardinal- 
flower begins to palisade the moist shores ; and after its superb reflection has passed 
away from the waters, the grotesque Witch Hazel flares out its narrow yellow petals 



E. D. STVRTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



amidst the October leaves, and so ends the floral year. There is not a week during all 
these months when one cannot stand in the boat and wreathe garlands of blossoms from 
the shores. These all crowd around the brink, and watch, day and night, the opening 
and closing of the Water Lilies. Meanwhile, upon the waters, our queen keeps her 
chosen court, nor can one of these mere land-loving blossoms touch the hem of her gar- 
ment. * * * Her humble cousin, the yellow Nuphar, keeps commonly aloof, as becomes 
a poor relation, though created from the selfsame mud — a fact which Hawthorne has beau- 
tifully moralized. Undisturbed, however, the Water Lily keeps her fragrant court, with 
few attendants. The tall Pickerel- weed (Pontederia) is her gentleman usher, gorgeous 
in blue and gold through July, somewhat rusty in August. The Water-shield (Brasenia) 
is chief maid-of-honor ; she is a high-born lady, not without royal blood indeed, but with 
rather a bend sinister ; not precisely beautiful, but very fastidious ; encased over her whole 
person with a gelatinous covering, literally a starched duenna. Sometimes she is sus- 
pected of conspiring to drive her mistress from the throne ; for we have observed certain 
slow water-courses where the leaves of the Water Lily have been almost wholly replaced 
by the similar but smaller leaves of the Water shield. More rarely seen is the slender 
Utricularia, a dainty maiden, whose light feet scarce touch the water — with the still more 
delicate floating white Water Kanunculus and the shy Villarsia, whose submerged flowers 
merely peep one day above the surface and then close again forever. Then, there are 
many humbler attendants, Potamogetons, or Pond-weeds. And here float little emissaries 
from the dominions of land ; for the fallen florets of the Viburnum drift among the Lily 
pads, with mast-like stamens erect, sprinkling the water with a strange beauty, and 
cheating us with a promise of a new aquatic flower. These are the still life of this sequest- 
ered nook ; but it is, in fact, a crowded thoroughfare. No tropical jungle more swarms 
with busy existence than these midsummer waters and their bushy banks. 

Gathering Water Lilies. 

Every flower bears a fragrant California in its bosom, and you hesitate to leave one 
behind. But after the first half hour of eager grasping, one becomes fastidious, rather 
scorns those on which the wasps and flies have alighted, and seeks only the stainless. 
But handle them tenderly, as if you loved them. Do not grasp at the open flower as if it 
were a Pseony or Hollyhock, for then it will come off stalkless in your hand, and you 
will cast it blighted upon the water ; but coil your thumb and second finger affectionately 
around it, press the extended forefinger firmly to the stem below, and with one steady 
pull you will secure a long and delicate stalk. Consider the Lilies. All over our rural 
watercourses, at midsummer, float these cups of snow. They are Nature's symbols of 
coolness. They suggest to us the white garments of their Oriental worshipers. They 
come with the white roses and prepare the way for the white Lilies of the garden. The 
Water Lily comes of an ancient and sacred family. It has assisted at the most momen- 
tous religious ceremonies, from the beginning of recorded time. 

The Egyptian Lotus was a sacred plant; it was dedicated to Harpocrates and to 
Nofr Atmoo — Nofr meaning good, whence the name of our Yellow Lily, Nuphar. But the 
true Egyptian flower was Nymphsea Lotus, though Nympheea coerulea, Moore's "blue 
Water Lilies," can be traced on the sepulchers also. It was cultivated in tanks in the 
gardens ; it was the chief material for festal wreaths ; a single bud hung over the forehead 
of many a queenly dame ; and the sculptures represent the weary flowers as dropping from 
the heated hands of belles, in the later hours of the feast. Rock softly on the waves, fair 
Lilies ! your Eastern kindred have rocked on the stormier bosom of Cleopatra. The 
Egyptian Lotus was, moreover, the emblem of the sacred Nile, as the Hindoo species of 
the sacred Ganges ; and both the one and the other was held the symbol of the creation 
of the world from the waters. The sacred bull, Apis, was wreathed with its garlands ; 
there were niches for water, to place it among tombs ; it was carved in the capitals of 
columns ; it was represented on plates and vases ; the sculptures show it in many sacred 
uses, even as a burnt offering ; Isis holds it ; and the god Nilus still binds a wreath of 
Water Lilies around the throne of Memnon. From Egypt the Lotus was carried to 
Assyria, and Layard found it among Fir cones and Honeysuckles on the later sculptures 
of Ninevah. The Greeks dedicated it to the nymphs, whence the name Nymphsea. Nor 
did the Romans disregard it, though the Lotus to which Ovid's nymph Lotis was changed 
servato nomine, was a tree and not a flower. Still different a thing was the enchanted stem 
of the Lotus eaters of Herodotus, which prosaic botanists have reduced to the Zizyphus 
Lotus found by Mungo Park, translating also the yellow Lotus dust into a mere " farina, 



WATER LILIES. 



tasting like sweet ginger-bread." But in the Lotus of Hindostan, we find our flower 
again, and the Oriental sacred books are cool with Water Lilies. The orb of the earth is 
Lotus-shaped, and is upborne by the tusks of Vesava, as if he had been sporting in a lake 
where the leaves and blossoms float. Having got thus far into Orientalism, we can hardly 
expect to get out again without some slight entanglement in philology. Lily pads. 
Whence pads? No other leaf is identified with that singular monosyllable. Has our 
floating Lotus leaf any connection with padding, or with a footpad ? With the ambling 
pad of an abbot, or a paddle, or a paddock, or a padlock ? with many-domed Padua proud, 
or with St. Patrick? Is the name derived from the Anglo-Saxon jpaac? or peithianl All the 
etymologists are silent on the subject ; Tooke and Richardson ignore the problem ; and 
of the innumerable pamphlets in the Worcester and Webster controversy, loading the 
tables of schoolcommitteemen, not one ventures to grapple with the Lily pad. The 
Sanscrit name for the Lotus is simply Padma. The learned Brahmins call the Egyptian 
deities Padma Devi, or Lotus gods ; the second of the eighteen Hindoo Puranas is styled 
the Padma Purana, because it treats of the " epoch when the world was a golden Lotus," 
and the sacred incantation which goes murmuring through Thibet is "Ommani padme 
houm," It would be singular, if upon these delicate floating leaves a fragment of our 
earliest vernacular has been borne down to us, so that here the school-boy is more learned 
than the savans. This lets us down easily to the more familiar uses of this plant divine. 
By the Nile, in early days, the Water Lily was good not merely for devotion, but for diet. 
"From the seeds of the Lotus," said Pliny, "The Egyptians make bread." The Hindoos 
still eat the seeds roasted in sand ; also the stalks and roots. In South America, from 
the seeds of the Victoria ( Nymph eea Victoria, now Victoria regia) a farina is made, 
preferred to that of the finest wheat — Bonpland even suggesting to our reluctant imagina- 
tion Victoria-pies. But the European species are used, as far as we know, only in dyeing. 
Our own Water Lily has some strange peculiarities of structure. So loose is the internal 
distribution of its tissues, that it was for some time held doubtful to which of the two great 
vegetable divisions, exogenous or endogenous, it belonged. Its petals, moreover, furnish 
the best examples of the gradual transition of petals into stamens — illustrating that 
wonderful law of identity which is the great discovery of modern science. Every child 
knows this peculiarity of the Water Lily, but the extent of it seems to vary with seasons 
and locality, and sometimes one finds a succession of flowers almost entirely free from 
this confusion of organs. Our readers may not care to know that the order of Nymph- 
seaceee " dififers from Ranunculacese in the consolidation of its carpels, from Papaveracese 
in the placentation not being parietal, and from Nelumbiacese in the want of a large 
truncated disc containing monospermous achenia," but they may like to know that the 
Water Lily has relations on land, in all gradations of society, from Poppy to Magnolia, 
and yet does not conform its habits precisely to those of any of them. Its great black 
roots, sometimes as large as a man's arm, form a network at the bottom of the water. 
Its stem floats, an airy four-cellfed tube, adapting itself to the depth, though never stiff 
in shallows, like the stalk of the Yellow Lily ; and it contracts and curves when seed- 
time approaches, though not so ingeniously as the spiral threads of the Vallisneria, which 
uncoil to let the flowers rise to the surface, and then cautiously retract, that the seeds 
may ripen on the very bottom of the lake. The leaves show, beneath the magnifier, 
beautiful adaptations of structure. They are not like those of land-plants, constructed with 
deep veins to receive the rain and conduct it to the stem, but are smooth and glossy, and 
of even surface. The leaves of land vegetation have also thousands of little breathing- 
pores, principally on the under side : the Apple leaf, for instance, has twenty- four thousand 
to a square inch. But here they are fewer ; they are wholly on the upper side, and, 
whereas in other cases they open or shut according to the moisture of the atmosphere, 
here the greedy leaves, secure of moisture, scarcely deign to close them. Nevertheless, 
even these give some recognition of hygrometric necessities, and, though living on the 
water, and not merely christened with dewdrops like other leaves, but baptized by 
immersion all the time, they are yet known to suffer in draught, and apparently to take 
pleasure in heavy falls of rain. 

The Royal Water Lily. 

We have spoken of the various kindred of the Water Lily ; but we must not leave 
our fragrant subject without due mention of its most magnificent, most lovely relative, at 
first claimed even as its twin sister and classed as a Nymph eea. We once lived near 
neighbor to a Victoria regia. Nothing in the world of vegetable existence, has such a 



E. D. 8TURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



human interest. The charm is not in the mere size of the plant, which disappoints 
everybody, as Niagara does, when tried by that sole standard. The leaves of the Victoria, 
indeed, attain a diameter of six feet ; the largest flowers, of 23 inches — less than four 
times the size of the largest of our Water Lilies. But it is not the mere looks of the 
Victoria, it is its life which fascinates. It is not a thing merely of dimensions, nor merely 
of beauty, but a creature of vitality and motion. Those vast leaves expand and change 
almost visibly. They have been known to grow half an inch an hour, eight inches a day. 
Rising one day from the water, a mere clenched mass of yellow prickles, a leaf is trans- 
formed the next day to a crimson salver, gorgeously tinted on its upturned rim. Then 
it spreads into a raft of green, armed with long thorns, and supported by a frame-work 
of ribs and cross-pieces, an inch thick, and so substantial that the Brazil Indians, while 
gathering the seed-vessels, place their young children on the leaves ; — yrupe, or water- 
platter, they call the accommodating plant. But even these expanding leaves are not 
the glory of the Victoria ; the glory is in the opening of the flower. We have sometimes 
looked in, for a passing moment, at the greenhouse, its dwelling place, during the period 
of flowering, and then stayed for more than an hour, unable to leave the fascinatingscene. 
After the strange flower-bud has reared its dark head from the placid tank, moving it a 
little uneasily, like some imprisoned water-creature, it pauses for a moment in a sort of 
dumb despair. Then, trembling again, and collecting all its powers, it thrusts open, with 
an indignant Jerk, the rough calyx leaves, and the beautiful disrobing begins. The firm, 
white, central cone, first so closely infolded, quivers a little, and swiftly, before your eyes, 
the first of the hundred petals detaches its delicate edges, and springs back, opening 
towards the water, while its white reflection opens to meet it from below. Many moments 
of repose follow — you watch — another petal trembles, detaches, springs open, and is still. 
Then another, and another, and another. Each movement is so quiet, yet so decided, so 
living, so human, that the radiant creature seems a Musidora of the water, and you almost 
blush with a sense of guilt in gazing on that peerless privacy. As petal by petal slowly 
opens, there still stands the central cone of snow, a glacier, an alp, a jungfrau, while each 
avalanche of whiteness seems the last. Meanwhile a strange, rich odor fills the air, and 
Nature seems to concentrate all fascinations and claim all senses for this jubilee of her 
darling. So pass the enchanted moments of the evening, till the fair thing pauses at last, 
and remains for hours unchanged. In the morning, one by one, those white petals close 
again, shutting all their beauty in, and you watch through the short sleep for the period 
of waking. Can this bright, transfigured creature appear again in the same chaste beauty ? 
Your fancy can scarcely trust it, fearing some disastrous change ; and your fancy is too 
true a prophet. Come again after the second day's opening, and you start at the trans- 
formation which one hour has secretly produced. Can this be the virgin Victoria — this 
thing of crimson passion, this pile of pink and yellow, relaxed, expanded, voluptuous, 
lolling languidly upon the water, never to rise again ? In this short time every tint of 
every petal is transformed ; it is gorgeous in beauty, but it is "Hebe turned to Magdalen." 
But our rustic Water Lily, our inocent Nymphsea, never claiming such a hot-house glory, 
never drooping into such a blush, blooms on placidly in the quiet waters, till she modestly 
folds her leaves for the last time, and bows her head beneath the surface forever. Next 
year she lives for us only in her children, fair and pure as herself. Nay, not alone in 
them, but also in memory. The fair vision will not fade from us, though the paddle has 
dipped its last crystal drop from the waves, and the boat is drawn upon the shore. We 
may yet visit many lovely and lonely places — meadows thick with Violet, or the homes 
of the shy Rhodora, or those sloping forest-haunts where the slight Linnsea hangs its 
twin-born heads — but no scene will linger on our vision like this annual feast of 
the Lilies. 



RARE WATER LILIES. 



" A piece of color is as useful as a piece of bread."— ilenry Ward Beecher. 

Although Water Lilies may be cultivated in tubs, they may be grown to much greater 
perfection if allowed plenty of room, especially the larger-growing tropical species. Those 
who wish to cultivate a number of kinds, and have complete success, should build a tank 
about twenty by thirty feet, and two feet deep. If sunk entirely in the ground it would 
be more easily protected from frost in cold climates. But it may be partially sunken, 
and the soil which is taken out used as an embankment around the outside, sloping it up 
to the top. I prefer that it should be sunk to the level of the surrounding surface, 
for the reason that the banks can be made more ornamental. It may be built of either 
brick or stone. The bottom may be laid with rough stone, cobble stone, or old brickbats, 
and grouted with cement. Or, if the soil is of a firm nature, a thick coat of cement 
alone, may be spread upon it. This latter plan has been perfectly successful with us, 
though we consider a concrete bottom preferable. The walls should be nine inches thick, 
laid in cement, and, in cold climates, made to slope outwards from the bottom. If it is 
desired to grow Nymphsea Devoniensis, or similar kinds, to full size of leaf and flower, 
then it will be necessary to sink a pit in the center, one foot deep and four feet square, 
to hold soil for them. Provide means for emptying the tank of water, when desired ; 
also, a waste-pipe, near the top, for overflow. After the walls have been built, and the 
bottom laid and grouted, the whole must receive an additional coat of cement. About 
four feet from each end of the tank, build a partition wall about ten inches high. Bricks 
laid on edge will do, if laid in cement. These spaces can be cut in two by another par- 
tition. The compartments thus formed are for the purpose of confining the roots of the 
different kinds of Lotus within proper limits, and for planting out those kinds of Nym- 
phsea which do better in such a position. The remaining portion of the tank can be 
taken up with pots and large shallow boxes, which will be movable at will. After the 
cement has properly hardened, fill the compartments and boxes with soil, and cover with 
an inch or two of clean sand. Fill the tank with water, and let it get well warmed be- 
fore planting anything tender. As warm weather approaches, run a stream of fresh 
water in, for an hour or two each day, to prevent stagnation. When the surface of the 
water is covered with leaves, there is less tendency in this direction ; and all that seems 
to be necessary is to replace what is lost by evaporation. 

The Lily tank must be placed in a warm and sunny position, for these plants will not 
do their best unless the water is thoroughly warmed. On the north side may be a border 
filled with Musas, Cannas, Bamboos, Ornamental Grasses, Caladiums, &c., which form 
a fine background for the Lilies, and give the whole a tropical appearance. 

In such a tank as above described, the tenderest species named in this catalogue 
may, in this latitude, be planted out by the 10th of June, and remain until the frosts of 
Autumn appear. If it is desired to enjoy the longest possible season of bloom in the 
open air, then the Lily pond may be located near a greenhouse, and some connection 
made with the hot-water boiler. Our manner of doing this is to extend the hot-water 
pipe (both flow and return) from the boiler to the tank, and reaching a few inches inside 
of the wall. The end of these pipes are left open, and when extra heat is wanted a fire 
is kept in the boiler. The circulation being constant between tank and boiler, the water 
in the tank may thus be warmed early in the Spring, the tender Lilies planted out earlier, 
and thus earlier bloom be the result. Fire heat can be discontinued as soon as the Sum- 
mer sun begins to do its work. The season of bloom can be prolonged in the Autumn in 
the same manner. 

For the protection of the tank in Winter, place planks or boards around the edge in 
such a manner as to cover a space two or three feet in width all around, that is, over the 
water, and cover them with a thick layer of leaves or litter. This will help to keep the 
9 



10 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



ice from forming at the edge, and consequently from expanding too much and cracking 
the walls. Another plan is to drain the water entirely from the pond, and cover with a 
thick coat of leaves. Any one having a large factory could place a Lily pond near it, so 
that the waste steam or hot water (if free from chemicals or filth) might be utilized for 
keeping the water warm, and from freezing in Winter. It may be asked, " Why all this 
trouble and expense? Why not grow the Lilies in ponds with a bottom of natural 
earth?" We answer, that for the hardy kinds this is undoubtedly a good plan, and very 
fair success may be had in the same way with the tender kinds ; but in a pond with a 
cement bottom the water is more readily heated by the sun, and retains its heat better. 

THE WATER LILT GARDEN COMPLETE. 

I will add here a few words upon the " possibilities " of aquatic gardening. One argu- 
ment in favor of cultivating tropical Lilies in the open air is, that larger leaves and 
flowers are obtained, and in case of the colored kinds, greater depth of color than under 
glass. Another argument is, the grand effect which may be produced on the lawn or in 
any part of the pleasure ground. Let us suppose that you wish to have an aquatic gar- 
den, fifty, sixty, or a hundred feet in diameter. We will not build it in the stiflF form of 
a circle or oval, but the outline shall be irregular, with here and there a small bay, across 
which we will throw a rustic bridge to a miniature peninsula. Somewhere on the margin 
we will build a rustic Summer-house. It shall be a two-story affair, for sometimes we 
shall want to view our pets from an elevated position, for, unlike our fellow-creatures, 
they smile upon us when we look down upon them. If we have a rocky ledge in our 
grounds, let us place our pond near it. Now, let us suppose that all has been planted, 
established, and come to midsummer perfection. Some morning, before the night-bloom- 
ing Lilies have begun to take their midday sleep, let us ascend the low tower and take a 
view of the picture. There, beneath us, the noble Nymphsea dentata, covering a space 
twenty feet in diameter, some of its leaves two feet across, and its milk-white flowers 
twelve inches across; there is the grand Nympheea rubra, with its immense cups of 
glowing color ; and there, queen of them all, is N. Devoniensis, surpassing in brilliancy 
of flower, if not in size of leaf, the famous Victoria regia. Then come groups of these 
same Lilies, planted more thickly, and though the flowers are smaller, yet they are more 
numerous and just as brilliant. Yonder, a little bay is filled with Egyptian Lotus, its 
pink and white flowers, on stalks three feet above the water, looking like immense 
tulips. Next is a mass of the American Lotus, with its sulphur-yellow flowers ; some of 
its floating leaves have strayed out into an open space, and are thirty inches in diameter. 
Let us descend and walk along the border of our little lake. Here is a plantation of the 
lovely blue Nymphsea scutifolia; you perceive its fragrance before you come near it. 
Next is the beautiful Yellow Lily, from Florida ; and our own sweet Water Lily is not 
forgotten, for it is here in masses. Associated with it are its charming new, rose-colored 
variety, N. odorata rosea, and the delicate pink-tinted one. Here are N. alba and N. alba 
rosea, with their waxy petals, similar in color to some of the others, but having their 
own distinctive merits and attractions. The favorite Calla of our Winter gardens lifts its 
white trumpets towards the sky, and numerous smaller flowered aquatics are found in 
profusion along the edge of the water. Coming around to the Lotuses again, we find 
growing near them, in shallow water, great clumps of the Egyptian Papyrus, with its 
plumy heads on stalks six feet high. Now let us look at some of the plants which 
associate well with water, and help form a background for our picture. Scattered along 
the masgin we find groups of ornamental grasses, Eulalias, Erianthus and Pampas Grass. 
Yonder, on our little peninsula, stands a noble Banana (Musa ensete), twelve feet high. 
Farther on is a clump of the tall Bamboo (Arundo Donax), and its variegated variety. 
There are groups of Cannas, and a large Palm, brought from the greenhouse to spend the 
Summer in the open air. Another stately plant is Alocasia arborea, with a tree-like trunk 
and fine, large leaves. What is this great-leaved plant, near the water's edge? It is 
Gunnera scabra (the Giant Rhubarb), with leaves six feet in diameter. Now do you wish 
to give your friends a glimpse of fairyland ? Then illuminate your grounds, and invite 
them to an evening fete or garden party. The Lotuses and hardy Lilies have closed their 
flowers, but the night-blooming Water Lilies offer us a feast for the eyes at night. Place 
large lamps, with reflectors, in such a position as to throw a powerful light directly upon 
the flowers — or, perhaps, Edison's magic lamps are available, and you suspend a number 
of them in mid- air over the water. Now the red Lilies fairly glow with color, and are far 
more beautiful thar by daylight. The water is like a mirror, and in its depths you behold 



BABE WATEB LILIES. 11 



another glorious picture — a perfect image of the flowers themselves. The large, star-like 
white ones keep company with the red in their night watches, and are not unworthy 
companions for them. Look around at the floating leaves, the numerous buds which will 
open with to-morrow's sun, the tall shields of the Lotus, the rich, tropical foliage on the 
banks, the rustic arbor covered with myriads of the silvery blossoms of the night-flowering 
Ipomea, and tell me if this is not a fairy scene. And having taken a view of the Water 
Lily Garden by daylight and by lamplight, will you not acknowledge that in all that is 
really beautiful it far surpasses the most elaborate exhibition of carpet bedding ? 

Perhaps you will say that this is a fancy sketch. Our answer is, that it has been so 
far realized that we do not hesitate to place such a garden as we have described among 
the list of " possibilities of horticulture " in America. 

SOIL FOR GROWING AQUATIC PLANTS. 

The best soil for growing all kinds of aquatic plants in gardens, we have found to be 
good, rich loam, and the best decayed stable or cow manure, in equal quantities. Leaf- 
mold or fine black peat can no doubt also be used to advantage. Kich mud from the 
bed of a pond or sluggish stream will answer in place of the loam, but I do not consider 
it essential. The compost should be well mixed, placed in the tank, and covered with 
about an inch of good, clean sand, to keep the manure from rising ; then let in the water 
several days before putting in the plants. 

WATER LILIES IN TUBS AND CEMENT BASINS. 

Those who have means to build large Lily tanks in spacious glass houses, with hot- 
water pipes placed in the water, can no doubt obtain very desirable results. The tender 
species can be planted permanently, and a longer period of bloom be enjoyed. But a 
good degree of success may be attained by planting them in large tubs or half-barrels in 
the open air, either on the surface or sunk in the ground. They should be placed where 
they will receive the full benefit of the sun for at least the greater portion of the day. 
If for the whole day, so much the better. Fill them about half full of the compost 
recommended for all aquatics. The large growing kinds would do better in large half- 
hogsheads or tierces sawed in two. The next best arrangement for growing aquatics is 
to build of bricks and hydraulic cement a basin two feet deep and six feet in diameter, 
either round or square. This can be sunk in the lawn in a sunny position, or on the 
south side of a building or fence. If convenient, provide means for emptying the tank 
from the bottom, and a waste pipe near the top for overflow, so that fresh water can be 
run in occasionally to prevent stagnation. Such a tank would need to be well protected 
from severe frost in Winter. Aquatics may also be grown in the basin of a fountain, but 
they will not flourish if the spray is allowed to fall upon the leaves. Water enough to 
keep that in the basin fresh, may be allowed to run in, but no more, as that would lower 
the temperature too much. 

NATURALIZING HARDY AQUATICS. 

The beautiful cut upon the cover of this catalogue gives an excellent idea of what 
may be done in this direction. Any one having a fine piece of water where the common 
Water Lily would flourish, can produce similar results ; and, with the addition of the 
tender kinds put out for Summer, the effect would be grander still. We will give a list 
of the plants shown in the picture: Nelumbium luteum, Nymphsea odorata, Calla 
palustris, Saggitaria variabilis (the Arrow head). In the center is the common Cat-Tail 
(Typha latifolia), and on the right is the curious Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea.) 

Another fine plant for shallow water is Pontederia cordata, with spikes of blue 
flowers. On the banks might be planted masses of scarlet Lobelia and the beautiful 
meadow Lilies (Lilium supernum and L. canadense). Hardy ferns should not be for- 
gotten. The Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is a fine one for such a position. 

We quote the following from The Garden, an English perodical, which, in'our opinion, 
ia the very best and ablest journal of horticulture in the world : 

"The plants that grow by the water side, so much admired in natural scenery, are 
seldom taken so much advantage of for cultivating as they might be ; otherwise the 
bare water edges, so often found in connection with lakes and other ornamental water, 
would be of less frequent occurrence than they are. With the vast resources of suitable 



12 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 

plants at our service, if appropriately employed, the margins of artificial water might be 
made to surpass even the choicest examples of natural riverside vegetation. In the 
majority of cases, if the edges of artificial water are clothed at all, they have a monoto- 
nous appearance, on account of the continuous fringes of plants of a common-place type 
used; whereas, if a greater variety of kinds, of varied height, habit and flower were 
employed and disposed in bold, irregular groups — some close to the margins, others at a 
distance from them, and some even partly submerged — some of the most charming effects 
could thereby be obtained. 

The principal consideration is a knowledge of the positions in which the plants thrive 
best, the degree of moisture in which they will flourish ; then grouping them effectively 
is easily accomplished. Our native flora affords great numbers of really handsome water- 
side plants, many of which are in no way inferior to exotic kinds." 

ENEMIES OF AQUATIC PLANTS. 

The conditions which we recommend for successfully growing tropical aquatics (t. e.» 
still, warm water, and a rich compost), favor the growth of a low form of vegetable life 
called confervse, or green scum, which becomes very unsightly and troublesome unless 
eradicated. As the result of several years' experience, we are quite positive that if 
abundance of Gold-fish are kept in the tank, or pond, there will be no trouble in this 
direction. Other kinds of fish, which are vegetarian in habit, might, perhaps, answer as 
well, but the German Carp is not to be recommended for tanks kept solely for the choicer 
varieties of aquatics, on account of their propensity for rooting in the mud and feeding 
upon the fibrous roots which proceed from the rhizomes of the Lilies. Should it be 
determined to keep a few German Carp in the Lily Garden, it will be necessary to place 
whole pieces of roofing-slate or large«pebbles on the soil around the crowns of the tender 
Nympheeas. 

Innumerable kinds of aquatic insects breed in the water, and some of their larvse prey 
upon the leaves of the Lilies, but the common water-snail is the greatest enemy of aquatic 
plants. The Gold-fish assist very materially in destroying these larvse and snails, but we 
have found a complete preventative of injury to the foliage from this source, by keeping 
in the tank, in addition to the Gold-fish, some of the common spotted Sun-fish. They are 
carnivorous in habit, and very alert and active. Moreover, it is impossible for mosquitoes 
to breed in a Water Lily basin in which abundance of the above-named fish, or those of 
similar habit, are kept. Thus one objection to locating these tanks or ponds in the 
vicinity of the dwelling-house is removed. Their beautiful appearance, and the ease 
with which they may be taught to feed from the hand (though it must not be done too 
frequently) make them charming adjuncts to the Water Garden. If the tank is two feet 
or more in depth, they can be left in it all Winter with perfect safety, in this latitude. 

Sometimes, toward Autumn, brown aphides, or plant-lice, become troublesome on the 
Lily leaves. A somewhat new insecticide, which any one can prepare, has proved effectual 
with us. It is called the kerosene emulsion, or kerosene butter, and is prepared as follows : 
Take two parts of kerosene and one part of thick, sour milk ; warm the latter (to blood 
heat only) ; put the two liquids together, and agitate violently with a green-house syringe, 
or a force pump. They will soon completely unite and form a white soapy mass. This 
kerosene butter mixes readily with tepid water. One part of the butter should be 
thorougly mixed with fifteen parts of water, and applied to the infested leaves with a 
syringe. With us, one application entirely destroyed the insects, without any injury 
whatever to Nymphseas. A weaker solution of the emulsion must be used on any plants 
which are found to be injured by the proportion above given. Experience will be a guide 
in this matter. Very few applications of the remedy will be needed during the season. 
Nelumbium leaves are injured by the application of kerosene. Tobacco water applied 
with a syringe is the best means for destroying aphides on these. 



BABE WATEB LILIES. 13 



THE VICTORIA REQIA. 

This giant Water Lily of the river Amazon is the grandest of all aquatics. That it 
may be successfully grown and flowered in the open air in this latitude, we have proved 
beyond a doubt, having done so for two seasons past. By this plan, it is treated as a 
tender annual. In Winter or early Spring, seeds are placed in water, kept uniformly at 
a temperature of from 80 to 90 degrees. After germinating, they are potted and shifted 
on, as they require it. Early in June a plant is placed in a bed of very rich soil in a 
tank, fully exposed to the sun, and which can be artificially heated until hot weather 
sets in. It produces leaves six feet across, one plant covering a space thirty feet in 
diameter. The flowers are from twelve to sixteen inches across. The first night that 
they open they are a lovely white, and emit a delicious perfume, resembling that of pine- 
apples, which is often perceptible some rods distant. The second night the flowers have 
changed to pink, and have lost their perfume. In the Southern States, it may be grovwi 
with complete success in open ponds. Plants, $10.00 to $15.00 each. Fresh and perfect 
seeds, of our own raising, 50 cents each ; $5.00 per doz. 



NIGHT-BLOOMING WATER LILIES. 

Unlike our wild N. odorata, the following five kinds open their flowers at night, 
beginning about eight o'clock and remaining expanded until about ten the next morn- 
ing, each flower opening three nights in succession. They stand on strong foot-stalks 
ten or twelve inches above the surface of the water. If given the right conditions as to 
soil, temperature, &c., they will begin to bloom in about forty days after being put out, 
and continue to be constantly in bloom until cold weather. They all require the same 
culture and treatment. Their tubes are about the size of a hickory nut or walnut, but 
make a most astonishing growth in a single season. In Spring they should be placed in 
small pots with good loam or ordinary greenhouse potting soil, and immersed in water 
kept at 80 degrees to start them into growth. If you are satisfied to have flowers from 
four to six inches in diameter, then, when warm weather arrives, shift them into large 
earthen pans or tubs, and place them out-of-doors, or keep them in a greenhouse, accord- 
ing to the latitude in which you live. If the finest specimens are desired, then, as early 
in Summer as the water becomes warm enough for bathing with comfort, plant them out 
in a Water Lily tank, in large beds or wooden boxes filled with the compost recom- 
mended for aquatics. In the Autumn, around the old plant may be found hard, nut-like 
tubers. These are the best for wintering. They ripen and shed their leaves, when they 
may be placed, several together, in a pot of soil or clean sand, and the pots immersed in 
water kept at a temperature of about 60 degrees the entire Winter. Lower than this 
may do, but we have found this the safest. Monster flowering crowns are valueless for 
wintering over, being sure to decay. If you wish to grow them in a pond with a bottom 
of natural earth, they must first be planted in large boxes or half-barrels filled with the 
prepared compost, and sunk where the water is two or three feet deep. In the Southern 
States this will not be necessary, but do not put a dormant bulb at once into deep water. 
Let it first get a good growth in a pot placed in shallow water. The day-blooming tender 
Nymphseas are managed in much the same way as the night-blooming ones, except that 
they do not increase by suckers, and the old plants may be kept over from year to year. 
Dormant bulbs are easily sent by mail from March to December. 

NYMPH-ffiA DEVONIBNSIS. 

This is one of the choicest, if not the very choicest. Water Lily in cultivation. Under 
the liberal treatment which we recommend for producing the finest specimens, in one 
season a single plant will cover a circle twenty feet across, with leaves twenty-five inches 
in diameter, and flowers twelve inches from lip to tip of petals. If confined in pans, tubs, 



14 



E. D. STUBTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 




(NYMPHJEA DEVONIENSIS.) 

or boxes, the flowers are smaller, but otherwise just as fine. The leaves are rich green, 
with serrated edges and occasional brown blotches. No person can form an adequate 
idea of the beauty of a red Water Lily until they have seen one of these gorgeous blossoms. 
They are rosy red (with scarlet stamens), glowing by lamplight with indescribable color. 
Price, $3.00 each. 

+ NYMPH.S]A STURTBVANTI (New Semi-Double Red Water LUy). 

This is a new variety, which originated in our establishment. A specimen was sent 
to the Botanic Garden, at Cambridge, Mass., where a company of the most celebrated 
botanists in the country pronounced it *' the fullest, most massive and gorgeous Nymphsea 
blossom they had ever seen." The following note from Dr. Asa Gray explains the origin 
of its name : 

Herbarium of Harvard University, \ 

Botanic Garden, Cambeidoe, Mass., September 28th, 1882./ 
Mr. Falconer— Although Mr. Sturtevant'a very wonderful Nympheea is only a "seedling sport" from 
its hybrid parent, it is certainly different enough to deserve, as a plant of cultivation, a distinct name. And 
we should all agree in wishing that it should bear the name of its producer, as one who has done so much 
for Water Ltly culture, besides this crowning achievement. 

Giving names to cultivated forms is not in my line; still, if you and your correspondent would prefer a 
name from me, I would call this + Nymohcea S«urteyan<i— retaining the symbol of the cross in marfc of its 
originally hybrid origin; for I suppose there is no doubt that its immediate parent is a hybrid. 

ASA GRAY. 

This new Lily grows to the same size as its parent Nymphsea Devoniensis. It has the 
following distinct characteristics : The leaves are covered with peculiar indentations and 
curls, instead of having a smooth surface, and are of a beautiful crimson bronze color — 
the young ones sometimes almost crimson. The flowers are bright red, some of them a 
soft rose color, and present a most charming appearance at night. They are cup-shaped, 
like N. odorata, a form which is much more graceful than N, Devoniensis. When well 
grown they are from nine to eleven inches in diameter, having a greater number of petals 
than the parent, and may not inaptly be called double. The petals are thick and waxy, 
some of them measuring nearly three inches in width. The plant is a continuous 
bloomer, but does not produce as many flowers at a time as its parent. It will be a grand 



RARE WATER LILIES- 15 



addition to any collection, especially where there is a large tank, aquarium or warm pond, 
affording plenty of room for its development. $5.00 each. 

NYMPH^A RUBRA. 

This magnificent species is a native of India, and one of the parents of N. Devoni- 
ensis. The picture of the latter gives a good idea of N. rubra, except that the flowers 
are a little more cup-shaped, and their petals somewhat broader. Their color is also a 
brilliant red, sometimes of a deeper shade than N. Devoniensis, and both foliage and 
flowers attain nearly the same size as that variety if given the same treatment. The 
foliage is quite distinct, being of a rich brown color, turning, when old, to gold and 
crimson, like Autumn leaves. $3.00 each. 

NYMPH-2EA DENTATA. 

This species is a native of Sierra Leone, and has white flowers with petals expanding 
horizontally, making them star-shaped. They have an agreeable odor, but not as sweet 
as our native Lily ; the leaves are rich green, with serrated edges. With ordinary cul- 
ture, flowers will be produced six or seven inches across ; but give them plenty of room 
and rich soil and both foliage and flowers will be as large as those of N . Devoniensis. 
$2.50 each. 



DAY-BLOOMING NYMPH^AS, AND OTHER TENDER AQUATICS. 

NYMPH^A SOUTIPOLIA— (Coerulea, or Cyansea). 

The Lilies cultivated under these names are of a beautiful shade of lavender blue 
(not a deep blue), about three or four inches across, but when the plant is given abund- 
ance of room and rich soil the flowers will be much larger, and of a decidedly deeper 
tint. They are very fragrant, the perfume being entirely distinct from that of Nympbsea 
odorata. It may be successfully grown in a natural pond, where the water is still and the 
mud rich. Probably hardy in the South. Winter temperature 50° to 60°. Our plants 
are of the best Variety. $3.00 each. 

NYMPH^A ZANZIBARBNSIS (The Royal Purple Water Lily). 

This new species, from Africa, was first flowered in this country by us in the Summer 
of 1882. In September, 1883, the Mass. Horticultural Society awarded it their Silver Medal. 
It is, unquestionably, the deepest colored and finest of all blue Water Lilies known, 
and some European horticulturists declare it to be the finest of the whole family. It is 
of a shade of blue so deep that it is not unreasonably called purple. Some parts of the 
flower are of the color of " Lasiandra macrantha" (a greenhouse plant). It has the same 
fragrance as N. coerulea, and, even when grown in small tubs or pans, produces larger 
flowers than that variety. Under the treatment given it in our Water Lily garden, they 
attain a diameter of twelve inches, and the leaves a diameter of two feet. It blooms 
constantly until frosty weather, and requires the same culture and treatment as other 
blue Lilies. Price, $10.00 each. 

NYMPH^A ZANZIBARBNSIS AZURBA. 

We offer under this name strong flowering bulbs, raised from seed of the true N. 
zanzibarensis, which they are like in every respect, except that the color of the flowers 
is a shade lighter, being of the richest deep azure blue, far surpassing N. coerulea or any 
other blue Lily except the true N. zanzibarensis. Price, $5.00 each. 

NYMPH.^A ZANZIBARBNSIS ROSEA. 

This is like N. zanzibarensis in every respect, except that the flowers are of a deep 
rosy pink color. Price, $5.00 each. 



16 E. D. STURTEVANT'S CATALOGUE. 

LIMNOOHARIS HUMBOLDTII (The Water Poppy). 

A charming and easily cultivated plant, with oval floating leaves and flowers of a 
bright lemon color with black stamens. The flowers stand a few inches out of water, and 
are produced freely during the entire season. Easily grown in a tub, but better still in 
the Water Lily garden, planted in a box or a tub, which must be elevated so that the 
plants may grow in shallow water. Wintered in the greenhouse. 50 cents each. 

PONTEDBRIA AZURBA. 

This is the finest of all the Pontederias. Its smooth, green leaves are borne on spongy 
stalks, about a foot long, which are somewhat inflated, like those of P. crassipes. Its 
lovely and delicately-tinted flowers are produced in large pyramids like a hyacinth, each 
individual blossom being nearly two inches across, and of a bluish-purple color. Should 
be grown in a pot immersed in water, and wintered in a hothouse. It is a grand novelty, 
and has received unstinted praise in Europe. We hope to have it ready for our customers 
by July 1st, 1885. Price on application. 

OUVIRANDRA PBNBSTRALIS (The Lattice-Leaf Plant). 

Though by no means a new plant, it is extremely rare in this country. We copy 
from " Stove and Greenhouse Plants," by B. S. Williams, this description : "It is popularly 
known as the Lace-Leaf or Lattice-Leaf, and is one of the most singlar plants in existence. 
The leaves are from six to eighteen inches in length, and from two to four inches in 
breadth ; oblong, with an obtuse apex, and spreading out horizontally beneath the surface 
of the water. They are of a dark olive green color, and consist of a strong midrib and 
that would be called the primary nerves of an ordmary leaf, and thus present the appear- 
ance of a beautiful piece of net-work, or of a skeletonized leaf, indeed, it is a veritable 
living skeleton. The flowers are inconspicuous." Native of Madagascar. It must be 
kept under glass all the year, and should be grown in a pan filled with a mixture of 
good loam and leaf mold or fine peat. The pan should be placed in a tub of water, and 
great care taken to keep the water sweet and the leaves of the plant clean. It must be 
kept shaded all the year, and we find the best way to do this is to grow " Azolla" on the 
surface of the water. It may be wintered in ordinary greenhouse temperature. Price 
$2.00 to $5.00 each. 

OBRATOPTBRIS THALICTROIDBS (The Water Pern). 

This is an extremely curious and interesting fern, growing with its roots entirely 
submerged in water, either in a pot or planted out in a shallow place in the Water Lily 
basin. The fronds are from one to three feet high, and beautifully forked. The finest 
ones are produced on plants kept in partial shade. It is sometimes called the " Floating 
Stag's Horn Fern." It must be wintered in a warm greenhouse. 75 cents each. 

HEDYOHIUM ACUMINATUM (The Garland Flower). 

Hedychiums belong to the family of the ginger plant. This species grows from four 
to six feet high, each flower-spike producing, for several weeks in succession, lovely snow 
white blossoms, over two inches across, resembling an orchid in form, and deliciously 
scented. It may be grown as a semi-aquatic, by planting it in a tub and placing it where 
the soil will be kept wet, but the crowns must not be immersed. If kept warm enough 
it will flower the whole year round. 50 cents each. 

CANNA BHBMANI. 

This is the most magnificent Canna ever introduced. It grows to a height of five or 
six feet, with large, green, banana like foliage, and the flowers are marvelous in size, 
being as large as a Gladiolus bloom. They are of a rich, crimson scarlet color, and hang 
pendant in clusters from the top of the plant. Each stalk produces a succession of these 
clusters, one after another, for a long time. This Canna may be treated as a semi-aquatic, 
by planting it in a large tub partly immersed in water. It is a grand acquisition, and 
should be in every garden. 50 cents each. 



RARE WATER LILIES. 17 



RIOHARDIA ^THIOPIOA ("The Oalla," or "Lily of the Nile"). 

This old and favorite plant can be made a charming feature among the Water Lilies. 
The only way known to us for making it bloom in Summer is to keep the bulbs entirely 
dry and dormant during Autumn and Winter. They can then be potted and grown as 
an aquatic during Summer. 25 and 50 cents each ; $2.50 and $5.00 per dozen. 

PAPYRUS ANTIQUORUM. 

This is the true Egyptian Paper Plant. From the snow-white pith of its triangular 
stalks the first paper was made. They are five or six feet high, and support at the top a 
tuft of long, thread-like leaves, which give the plant a graceful and striking appearance. 
It grows finely in shallow water, with rich soil or mud, and makes a splendid companion 
for flowering aquatics. It will also flourish and make a fine clump in the garden, with 
no more water than Cannas or Corn require to make them do well. $1.00 each. 

OYPBRUS ALTBRNIPOLIUS. 

Will also grow with its roots submerged in water, its reedy stems, with tufted heads, 
resembling miniature palm trees. 25 cents each. 



FLOATING PLANTS. 



PISTIA STRATIOTBS. 

A very curious plant, which floats upon the water, with its long, fibrous roots extend- 
ing downwards, but having no connection with the soil. It forms a rosette of light green, 
velvety leaves, about six inches across ; likes plenty of heat, and must be shaded from 
the direct rays of the sun. It does finely in a tub of water, placed in a vinery or green- 
house, in Summer, or in the open air, under a tree. It is sometimes called the Water 
Lettuce. 25 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

PONTEDBRIA ORASSIPBS. 

This is an extremely interesting plant, which floats upon the surface of the water 
like Water Lettuce. Each crown produces neat rosettes of leaves, the stems of which 
are enlarged in the middle into curious oval bulbs filled with air cells, which enable the 
whole plant to swim. If it is desired to flower it, the root must be put in a pot of loam 
and kept covered with water by corking up the hole in the bottom. But, then, the 
leaves become elongated, and lose the attractive expansion of the petiole. Flowers, 
bluish lilac. It should be wintered in a warm greenhouse. 50 cents each. 

TRIAN^A BOGOTBNSIS. 

A floating plant, with thick, spongy leaves, from one-half to one inch in diameter. 
Very curious — tender. 25 cents each. 

AZOLLA OAROLINIANA (Floating Moss). 

A floating plant, which produces no flowers, but is exceedingly interesting on account 
of the delicacy and beauty of its foliage, which resembles a lovely green moss or Selagi- 
nella. A small plant, placed in a pan of water, soon covers the whole surface, and pre- 
sents an appearance something like a pan of "Selaginella densa." If crown out of doors, 
in Summer, it should be kept in the shade. 25 cents each. 

3 



18 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



PITCHER PLANTS. 



As these are water loving plants, we have thought best to introduce them here. 
Sarracenia purpurea is perfectly hardy. S. flava and S. variolaris have stood the Winter 
in this latitude, naturalized in a peat bog. The most of this class, however, are best 
grown in pots of fine peaty soil, surfaced with live sphagnum, and kept standing in a pan 
of water. 

DION-^A MUSCIPULA (Ply Catcher). 

A most wonderful little plant, called " Venus' Fly-Trap." It has strange trap-like 
arrangements at the ends of the leaves, which, owing to the hair-like sensitive organs on 
the inner surface, will close instantly when touched by an insect or any light substance. 
25 cents each. 

SARRACENIA DRUMMONDI ALBA. 

The pitchers of this are two feet high, slender at the base and widening at the top 
like an ordinary tin horn. They are of a fine green, except towards the top they become 
pure white, nettled with crimson veins. The flowers are crimson. This is the most beau- 
tiful of the family. 50 cents to 75 cents each ; $5.00 per dozen. 

SARRACENIA PLAVA (Trumpets). 

This is the largest of all, producing in its native swamp, its handsome green, trumpet- 
like pitchers often three feet high. Flowers large, yellow. 35 cents each ; $3.00 per dozen. 

SARRACENIA PURPUREA. 

This hardy northern species is not unworthy of a place in any collection. By giving 
it peaty soil and moss, it may be naturalized on the margin of a pond or stream. Flowers 
purple. 25 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

SARRACENIA VARIOLARIS. 

Pitchers from twelve to eighteen inches high, very curiously hooded at the top, these 
hoods being spotted with white. Flowers yellow. 35 cents each ; $3.00 per dozen. 

SARRACENIA RUBRA. 

A small growing species, with slender trumpet-shaped leaves of a reddish color. 
Very neat when grown several in a pot together. Flowers crimson-purple. 25 cents 
each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

DARLINGTONIA CALIPORNICA (The California Pitcher plant). 

This has the most curiously-formed pitchers of any of the tribe. 

They grow to the height of from fifteen inches to two and a half feet, and have some 
resemblance to those of the Sarracenias, but differ from them in having the upp^r part 
arched over, like an inflated hood, and having a large triangular appendage hanging 
loosely from it. They are beautifully mottled with white, and veined with red. Flowers 
straw-color and pale purple. 50 cents to $1.00 each. 

DROSBRA PILIPORMIS. 

A rare, curious and hardy little bog plant, with pretty lilac flowers. 35 cents each. 
Drosera rotundifolia, 20 cents each. 



RARE WATER LILIES. 19 



HARDY AQUATICS. 



The roots of the native American Water Lily will not endure actual freezing, but 
still it is commonly called hardy. When we speak of an aquatic as being hardy, we do 
not mean that it is so in the same sense that Peeonias and Dicentraa are, but that it will 
endure the Winter when placed in the water below^the reach of frost. 




NYMPH^A ODORATA. 

The praises of our fragrant native Water Lily can never be too highly sung. Its 
lovely white flowers are worthy of a place beside the most costly exotics. It can be suc- 
cessfully grown in a tub, and wintered in a cellar. Does well in one of the beds in the 
Lily tank, but a more satisfactory way than either is to naturalize it in a pond, or slow- 
running stream. Do not tie a stone to it and sink it, as many recommend, but push it 
carefully into the mud with the hands or feet. Where the mud is very rich, it will pro- 
duce flowers six inches, and leaves thirteen inches across. Strong roots, by mail, 40 cents 
each, or three for $1.10 ; by express, 30 cents each ;^$3.00 per dozen. 

NYMPH^A ODORATA MINOR. 

A variety of our native Water Lily, possessing the same qualities of hardiness and 
fragrance, but producing flowers only one and a half or two inches across. Color, white, 
tinted with pink on the outside. Prices the same as for N. odorata. 

NYMPHiEA ODORATA ROSEA (Cape Cod Water Lily). 

This is the famous Pink Water Lily of Cape Cod, and is the grandest acquisition ever 
made to our list of hardy Nymphseas. It possesses all the desirable qualities of the white 
flowered species, hardiness, freedom of bloom and delicious fragrance, with the added 
charm of a deep pink color, a shade somewhat like the rose, called " Hermosa." The 
flowers average a larger size than the white, and are in great demand in the large cities 
and at watering-places during their season. We unhesitatingly pronounce this the most 
lovely and desirable of all the hardy Water Lilies, and are happy to oflFer good roots this 
season at a reduced price, $7.00 each ; two for $12.00. Smaller blooming roots, $5.00 each. 

NYMPH^A TUBBROSA. 

Quite distinct from N. odorata, having flowers from four to seven inches in diameter, 
pure white, with a faint odor like that of ripe apples. The petals are broader and less 
pointed than those of N. odorata — leaves sometimes fifteen inches wide. 75 cents each. 



20 E. D. SlUBTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



NYMPH-ffiA ALBA. 

The native Water Lily of England, possessing the same early and late blooming 
qualities as " candidissima," but with smaller flowers. $1.00 each. 

NYMPH.^A ALBA CANDIDISSIMA. 

This is a large-flowered variety of the Water Lily of England and other parts of 
Europe. Though not a tropical species, it does not object to a warm climate, and does 
finely under the same conditions as the tender ones. When raturalized in still water, 
with a very rich soil, it will produce leaves thirteen inches wide, and flowers six inches 
in diameter. The latter are pure white, the petals being very broad and much more 
waxy than those of N. odorata. It begins to flower earlier, and continues in bloom for a 
much longer time, than that species. It is a great favorite with us, and the universal 
testimony of our customers goes to prove everything we have said in its favor, $3.00 each. 

NYMPH-(SjA alba rosea (N. Alba Var Sphserocarpa Rosea). 

A variety which was first discovered in Sweden, and has received great praise in 
Europe. It is like N. alba, except that the flowers are deep pink, shaded to lighter pink 
at the edge. Very choice. $10.00 each. 

NYMPHugSA FLAVA (The Yellow Water Lily). 

A charming addition to any collection, having leaves variegated with brown, and 
flowers nearly as large as those of N. odorata. They are of a bright golden yellow color, 
and deliciously scented, something like Locust-tree blossoms, but more delicate. Per- 
fectly hardy at the North, but should have a warm position in Summer. 50 cents to 
$1.00 each. 

NYMPH.ZEjA PYGM.ffiA (The Dwarf Chinese Water Lily). 

A little gem, producing leaves from two to three inches across, and deliciously 
scented white flowers no larger than a silver half dollar, which open at noon and close at 
sunset. It has the additional merit of being hardy. Young plants, $2.00 each ; large 
plants, $3.50 each. 



SONNET.-THE LOTUS. 



[The Cbntuby Magazine for January, 1884.] 

" Love came to Flora asking for a flower 
That would of flowers be undisputed queen ; 
The lily and the rose long, long had been 
Rivals for that high honor. Bards of power 
Had sung their claims. ' The rose can never tower 
Like the pale lily, with her Juno mien.' 

• But is the lily lovelier? ' Thus, between 
Flower factions rang the strife in Psyche's bower. 

' Give me a flower delicious as the rose, 
And stately as the lily in her pride ' 

' But of what color ? ' * Rose-red,' Love first chose, 
Then prayed : * No, lily-white, or both provide.' 
And Flora gave the lotus, ' rose-red ' dyed 
And 'lily-white,' the queenliest flower that blows." 



BARE WATER LILIES. 



21 




NBLUMBIUM SPECIOSUM. 

The beautiful lines just quoted were written by Toru Dutt, a highly gifted Hindu 
poetess. They so accurately describe this Nelumbium as to leave no doubt that it is 
entitled to the name of "Lotus." It was cultivated in Egypt, in most ancient times 
where its seed was known as the "Sacred Bean." It is the "Sacred Lotus" of India 
and China, and is also cultivated in Japan. This wonderful plant though coming from 
such tropical and semi-tropical regions, has proved to be entirely hardy ^^^}^.2^^flll 
enduring any degree of cold, short of actual freezing. We have, for many Winters, kept 



22 E. D. STURTEVANl'S CATALOGUE. 



it in water, upon the surface of which ice formed from four to eight inches thick. No 
aquatic plants have a more tropical aspect than Nelumbiums, We have naturalized it, 
in one corner of a mill pond, where the mud is very rich, and where, in Summer, could 
have been seen, among abundance of noble leaves from one to two feet in diameter, a 
hundred buds, in all stages of development, and twenty expanded flowers at one time. 
N. luteum is a beautiful plant, and well worthy of a place in any collection, but N. speci- 
osum far surpasses it in ease of culture, rapidity of growth and freedom of bloom. It 
will flower the first season it is planted, which is seldom the case with N. luteum, and is 
constantly in bloom from July till late in October. In the " Water Lily Garden," N. speci- 
osum has produced some leaves thirty inches across, on foot-stalks five and six feet in 
length, and flower-stalks of a total length of from five to seven feet. The first day the 
flowers appear like gigantic tea-rose buds, of a bright rose color. The second day they 
open like a tulip, the base of the petals being creamy white, most beautifully and deli- 
cately shaded off toward the end into bright pink. In their last stages of expansion 
they measure from ten to thirteen inches from tip to tip of petals. They are also delight- 
fully fragrant. The plant is of a rambling nature, and, when placed in a pond, spreads 
rapidly. If grown in a Lily tank, along with a general collection, it should be planted 
in the separate compartments specially arranged for it. It may be grown in a large tub, 
but better in basins such as we have described. It should not be planted till the grow- 
ing season has fully arrived, but we will ship to southern customers earlier than to 
northern. Flowering tubers, $3.50 each. Strong tubers, $5.00 each. 

NELUMBIUM LUTEUM (American Lotus). 

Though a native of this country, it is not common. There is scarcely any difference 
between this and N. speciosum, except in the color of the flowers, which is of a rich sul- 
phur yellow. They are as large as a quart bowl, and have a strong fragrance, entirely 
unlike that of a Nymphsea. Still, warm water and very rich soil are the conditions for 
success with these noble plants. A large patch of them, with hundreds of flowers and 
buds, is a.sight never to.be forgotten. Tubers, $1.50. 

NEW JAPANESE NELUMBIUMS. 

Could our customers know something of the pleasure we have experienced in culti- 
vating Nelumbiums, they would then realize with what delight we hail the acquisition of 
new varieties of these charming plants. We now offer a limited number of tubers, grown 
from direct importations from Japan. Their habit and general appearance is the same 
as N. speciosum, but some have larger and bolder flowers, of a more globular form, and 
distinct fragrance, i... .u 

Nelumbium nuciferum album striatum. The flowers of this are white, the 
edge of each petal irregularly marked and splashed with crimson. A magnificent and 
distinct variety. $8.00 each. , ,. . i j r 

Nelumbium nuciferum delicatum. This has flowers of a delicate shade ot 
pink, lighter in color than N, speciosum. $6.00 each. 

Nelumbium nuciferum kermesinum. A variety with flowers of a beautitul 
cherry-pink color. $10.00 each. j t j. \ 

Nelumbium nuciferum Flore Pleno (New Double-Flowered Lotus). 
The foliage of this is smaller than the others. The flowers are double white, edged with 
pale green. $10.00 each. 

JAPANESE NELUMBIUM SEEDS. 

Nelumbium nuciferum (mixed varieties). Those who wish to have Lotus 
flowers the first season will, of course, plant tubers. But to those who are willing to 
wait a year or two for bloom we offer seeds gathered from one of the finest collections in 
the world. Each packet contains seeds of mixed varieties of various shades of red, rose, 
pink and white. Each nut should have a hole the size of a pin drilled in its shell, with 
the point of a penknife, or by using a file, to allow the moisture to penetrate the kernel, 
or otherwise they will not germinate. They should then be planted m warm water in a 
greenhouse, or, if it is desired to plant them in a pond, it should not be done until warm 
weather, and then in water about one foot deep. Packets of six seeds, 50 cents. J^ifteen 
seeds, $1.00. 



BARE WATER LILIES. 23 



LIMNANTHEMUM NYMPH^OIDES (Villarsia). 

This European relative of our American Floating Heart is perfectly hardy. Its 
Nymphsea-like leaves are variegated with brown. The flowers, which are freely produced, 
are about an inch across, of a golden yellow color, beautifully fringed, and stand erect 
like the Water Poppies. Should be grown in shallow water. 50 cents each. 

LIMNANTHEMUM LACUNOSUM (Floating Heart). 

A native species, which at first sight appears to be a miniature Water Lily. Its leaves 
are from one to two inches in diameter, beautifully blotched with brown, giving them an 
appearance similar to those of the Cyclamen. The flowers are white, about half an inch 
across, and very curiously borne upon the same stem which bears the leaves. The plant 
blooms freely all Summer, will grow in either shallow or deep water, and would make a 
charming plant for the aquarium. 25 cents each. 

APONGETON DISTAOHYON. 

A highly interesting tuberous rooted water plant, which, though perfectly hardy, does 
not do well in Summer, if kept too warm. We recommend that it be tried in cool 
spring water. It flowers freely all Winter if kept in a greenhouse. Its leaves are 
oblong, about six inches by two. The pearly-white flowers, with black anthers, are pro- 
duced in curious fork-shaped spikes, and are deliciously scented. $1.00 each. 

TRAPA NATANS (The Water Chestnut). 

This is a hardy annual aquatic, bearing, from the midst of a rosette of green leaves, 
small white flowers, which are followed by good-sized nuts with several sharp thorns. 
These nuts are edible, and taste something like a cocoanut. After once being planted in 
a pond it will reproduce itself from year to year. Plants, 25 cents each. 

JUNOUS ZEBRINUS (The Porcupine Plant). 

This is a true rush, growing from one and a half to three feet high, producing leaves 
variegated in exactly the same manner as a porcupine quill, with alternate bands of green 
and pure white. It may be grown either as an aquatic or as a garden plant, but should 
never be grown with the crowns of the plant under water, for then the leaves lose much 
of their variegation. Perfectly hardy. 50 cents each. 

The following plants, though native, are not unworthy of cultivation : 

SAQITTARIA VARIABILIS (the Arrow-Head). 

A native plant suitable for shallow water, growing about two feet high, bearing 
arrow-shaped leaves and pearly-white flowers. 25 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

SAGITTARIA GRACILIS. 

A small variety of the above, having linear leaves, with linear, very long, acute and 
spreading lobes, forming an arrow of peculiar shape. Flowers white. 25 cents each. 

PONTEDERIA CORDATA. 

Another interesting plant for shallow water, with heart-shaped leaves and spikes of 
blue flowers, produced all summer. 25 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

CYPRIPEDIUM SPECTABILB. 

This is the most beautiful of all North American Orchids, and, in our opinion, finer 
than any of the tropical species ; grows best in wet places in partial shade, with peat and 
moss. Flowers white and pink. Good clumps, 50 cents to $1.00 each. 



24 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 

LOBELIA CARDINALIS. 

A mass of this brilliant Scarlet Lobelia is a fine sight. It likes moist places. 25 
cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

LILIUM SUPBRBUM AND'^lT OANADBNSB. 

These beautiful Meadow Lilies do finely in moist places. 15 cents each ; $1.50 per 
dozen. 



BAMBOOS AND GRASSES SUITABLE FOR MOIST PLACES. 



ARUNDO donax. 

This noble plant is the plain, green-leaved Bamboo, and grows to the height of 
twelve or fifteen feet. 50 cents to $1.00 each. 

ARUNDO DONAX VARIBGATA. 

The variegated form of the above, white and green, five feet high. 30 cents to 75 
cents each. 

BAMBUSAS. 

Aurea'iVariegata, Striped green and yellow. 25 cents. 
Fortuni Variegata. White and green striped. 30 cents. 
Metake. Elegant, broad, green foliage. 30 cents. 
Simonsi Argentea. Green and white striped. 30 cents. 

BRIANTHUS RAVBNN^. 

From nine to twelve feet high, resembling the Pampas Grass, but perfectly hardy. 
25 cents ; clumps, 75 cents. 

BULALIA JAPONIOA VARIBGATA. 

A splendid grass, with leaves striped with white ; sending up stalks from four to six 
feet high, and bearing curly feathered plumes. 25 cents ; clumps, 50 cents and 75 cents. 

BULALIA JAPONIOA ZEBRINA. 

This is like the above, except that the leaves are marked cross-wise with broad, 
creamy-white bands, instead of being striped lengthwise. It also bears feathery plumes. 
30 cents ; clumps, $1.00. 

GYNBRIUM ARGENTBUM (Pampas Grass). 

The most effective and stately of all Ornamental Grasses, producing, with its graceful 
foliage and silvery plumes, a grand effect among a group of a similar character placed 
near ornamental water. 25 to 50 cents. Extra strong, $1.00 each. 

PANIOUM PLIOATUM VARIEGATUM (Palm Grass). 

The leaves are very broad for a member of ihe grass family, and have the appear- 
ance of Palm leaves, hence the name. Very pretty and graceful. Must be wintered in 
the greenhouse. 25 cents. 



RARE WATER LILIES, 25 



PHRAQMITBS COMMUNIS (Pond Oane). 

This grows from six to twelve or fifteen feet high, with jointed stalks which are fine 
for pipe-stems. It has beautiful grassy foliage, and bears at the top magnificent heads or 
plumes of a pinkish hue, spangled over with a silvery infloresence. These, heads, when 
cut and dried, feather out in the most beautiful manner into fluffy, silky plumes, of a soft 
gray color. The plant grows in water, and makes a fine ornament in the Water Garden, 
or in a carp-pond. It may also be grown in the garden, like the Papyrus or Cannas. It 
is a perennial plant, and entirely hardy. 50 cents each. 

OYPBRUS LBPTOOLODUS. 

A distinct species of Pandanus-like growth, with long green leaves, of a beautiful, 
glossy green. It grows three or four feet high, producing sedge-like heads, and may be 
grown in moist places, or as a vase plant. Tender, 30 cents each. 

SOIRPUS NUTALENSIS. 

A grass-like plant, with light green foliage, and graceful, tufted heads, similar to 
Cyperus alternifolius. Height, about twelve to eighteen inches. Fine, either for the 
margins of water or as a basket or vase plant. Tender, 25 cents each. 



AQUATICS FOR CARP PONDS. 



All who are interested in the culture of the German carp are aware that the authori- 
ties on this subject make it a most essential point that the ponds should be stocked with 
abundance of aquatic plants, for furnishing food, shade and concealment for the fish, and 
for attracting aquatic insects. Also, in shallow places, thick masses of water plants afford 
the material upon which they prefer to deposit their eggs, and for the protection of the 
fish while in a very young state. We quote from a letter recently received from a gentle- 
man in Ohio : " I am enthusiastic in the cultivation of our fresh-water plants, and it 
seems to ma that you are the first to propose it to the public. I think your industry 
most opportune, as now the people are starting out in carp culture, and when the carp 
ponds can be made beautiful, there will be health and wealth combined, i. e., whatever is 
beautiful leads to health, and without it there is no industry." A pond stocked with 
these most interesting and useful fish, and with a collection of aquatic plants, embracing 
our choicest native species, together with the lovely tropical varieties, cannot fail to be 
an endless source of pleasure and enjoyment, as well as profit. 

A PEW HINTS. 

The carp is a vegetarian, and has a propensity for rooting in the mud and feeding 
upon the fibrous roots which proceed from the rhizomes of Water Lilies and other plants. 
Any specially choice variety should, after planting, have its roots covered with a layer of 
large pebbles, to protect them from the fish. In the South all the tender Nymphseas, 
etc., will do grandly in the fish pond, but they must first be well started in pots kept in 
shallow water before planting them out. In one instance, which has come to our knowl- 
edge, the Victoria regia was grown in a carp pond in a Southern State, and produced 
leaves six or seven feet in diameter and flowers fifteen inches across. If it is desired 
to grow the tender Nymphseas in the carp pond, in more northern latitudes, the best 
results will be obtained by planting them in half-barrels or large boxes, filled with rich 
compost, and placed in the warmest part of the pond, in water about two or three feet 
deep, placing around the plants a layer of large pebbles or pieces of slate, as above 
recommended. 

LIST OP VARIETIES. 

The whole list of hardy aquatics which we have heretofore described are adapted to 
this purpose. Nearly all the hardy Nymphseas, especially N. odorata, produce seeds, 
which are readily eaten by carp, and should be planted in large numbers, if practicable. 

4 



26 



E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



No grander ornament can be found among hardy kinds than the Nelumbiums, especially N. 
speciosum. These should be planted in about one foot of water. To prevent the fish 
from disturbing them until thoroughly established, a space of ten or twelve feet in diameter 
around each plant should be enclosed by a little fence, made by pushing old barrel staves 
into the mud, leaving them about half an inch apart. Besides these mentioned, we offer 
the following desirable kinds : 

Each. Per Doz. 

Nuphar advena (Yellow Mud Lily) 20c. $1.50 

Nuphar pumila 15c. 1.00 

Nasturtium oflBcinale (Water Cress) 15c. 1.00 

Glyceria fluitans 25c. 2.00 

Valisneria spiralis (Tape Grass) 15c. 1.00 

Trapa natans (Water Chestnut) 25c. 

Brasenia peltata (WaterShield) 15c. 1.00 

The following are best adapted to shallow water, and are upright 
growing plants, their foliage standing out of the water : 

Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) 20c. 1.56 

Golocasia esculentum (Caladium) 25c. 2.50 

Orontium aquaticum (Golden Cup) 20c. 1.50 

Peltandra Virginica. Like a Calla Lily, with greenish flowers 20c. 2.00 

Pontederia oordata. See description 25c. 2.00 

Sagittaria variabilis 25c. 2.00 

Typha latifolia (The Cat-Tail) 25c. 2.00 

Junous effusus. A handsome Rush, three or four feet high 20c. 2.00 

ZIZANIA AQUATIOA (Indian Rice, or Water Oat). 

This grass grows from four to twelve feet high, and is not only very ornamental but 
is highly recommended as one of the very best plants for furnishing food for carp. Being 
grown in shallow water, near the margin of the pond, the ripened seeds fall into the 
water and are readily consumed by the fish. 10 cents per ounce ; 25 cents per quarter 
pound ; 50 cents per pound. 

Many of the plants in the preceding list will grow in moist places, just above the 
water line. Others, previously described, such as Lobelia cardinalis, Meadow Lilies, 
Juncus Zebrinus (Porcupine Plant), and all the plants mentioned under the head of 
"Bamboos and Grasses," are especially fine for this purpose. In peaty soil, Pitcher 
Plants also may be added. 

The following are also desirable in this class : 

Each. Per Doz. 

Caltha palustris (American Cowslip) 20c. $1.50 

Hibiscus Moscheutos. Beautiful flowers, as large as Hollyhocks... 25c. 2.00 

Iris pseudacoruB. Rich golden yellow flowers 25c. 2.00 

To parties desiring to purchase by the hundred, we will give special cheap rates. 








GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 27 



NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 



We do not boast that we have the largest establishment in the country, but we 
believe that we have some things in this department which will please our customers. 

ANTIQONON LEPTOPUS. 

A splendid new climbing plant from Central Mexico, producing, in racemes, rose- 
colored flowers two feet long. The profusion of its bloom is such as to give the resem- 
blance of roses at a distance ; hence one of its Mexican names is Eosa de Montana, or 
Mountain Kose, described by its discoverer as the most beautiful climber he had ever 
beheld. This plant is moderately hardy, with protection. The vines are killed to the 
ground by frost ; but as this plant has tuberous roots, it quickly shoots up in the Spring 
and develops its flowers from June to frost. 30 cents each. 

ANEMONE JAPONIOA ALBA. 

One of the most beautiful of the hardy herbaceous plants. It is of a strong, upright 
habit, growing from two to three and a half feet high. Its flowers, which are of the purest 
white, with yellow center and dark eye, are produced in the greatest profusion from 
August until cut down by severe frost. This is one of the most valuable of Fall-flowering 
plants ; the pure white flowers are of exquisite shape and invaluable for cut-flower work. 
It thrives best in a light, rich soil ; a covering of leaves, straw or long manure in the 
Autumn is suflBcient for our most severe Winters. 30 cents each ; $3.00 per dozen. 

ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS NANUS. 

The stems of this extremely elegant plant are tufted, slender and gracefully arching. 
From the upper portions the branches, which are finer than the fronds of the most 
delicate Fern, spread in all directions. The whole plant is of a bright cheerful green. 
It is one of the most distinct and eflFective decorative plants for the greenhouse or con- 
servatory. As a plant for delicacy of foliage, it is unrivalled, and for bouquets its cut 
sprays have the advantage of much greater persistency than any Fern, retaining their 
freshness in water for three or four weeks. $3.00. 

ASPARAGUS TBNUISSIMUS. 

A beautiful species of semi-scandent habit. Remarkable for the extreme tenuity 
and delicate appearance of its foliage ; the leaves are longer and of a lighter tint than 
those of A. plumosus nanus. As a decorative plant for the greenhouse or conservatory 
it is very striking, and for contrast with the foliage of other plants it is also one of the 
most effective. Like A. plumosus nanus the sprays are beautiful adjuncts'to the bouquet, 
and possesses the advantage over the most finely cut Ferns ; of greater persistency when 
kept in water after being cut. 50 cents to $1.00, 

BATATAS PANICULATA. 

A splendid new climber, bearing clusters of purplish rose-colored morning-glory-like 
flowers. It grows rapidly planted out, and blooms profusely the whole Summer. The 
foliage is palmate, like that of Ipomea Horsfallise. It is tuberous rooted, and should be 
wintered in a warm greenhouse or dwelling. 75 cents each. 



28 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



NEW ORNAMBNTAL-LBAVED BEGONIA. 

Louis Chretien. A splendid variety, with green foliage tinted violet-crimson, the 
whole suffused with metallic lustre ; a grand, attractive variety. 35 cents. 

NEW DOUBLE-SCARLET BOUVARDIA. 

Thomas Meehan. A new double variety of brilliant red color, obtained by crossing 
the well-known and most floriferous of all Bouvardias, leiantha, with the double- 
white variety. This variety unites the brilliant red color and profuse blooming 
qualities of Bouvardia leiantha with the perfect double flowers of the white variety. 
^0 cents. 

NEW FANCY CARNATIONS. 

Black Knight. Rich, dark crimson ; a decided improvement on the well known 

Crimson King. 
Beatrice. This is a pure white-fringed variety, of very dwarf growth and very large 

flowers. 
Cymbeline. Rich, bright orange-ground, flaked with very bright scarlet. 
Fairy Princess. Very large flowers, pure white, pencilled with fine lines of rich 

purple crimson. 
Imogen. A lovely variety, pale straw-ground color, flaked, margined and dotted with 

bright carmine. 
Juliet. Ground-color white, flaked and lined with pink and maroon. 
Miranda. Richest plum-crimson, finely shaped and remarkably free-flowering. 
Mrs. W. A. Harris. A very large and finely-shaped variety, of a pure white color, 

marbled with rich, rosy pink. 
Mrs. F. Mangold. Pure, soft salmon ; distinct and handsome. 
Petunia. This so much resembles a double Petunia as to be most appropriately named ; 

color rich lavender rose, mottled with white and deeply fringed. 
Portia. The most intensely bright scarlet ; a fine variety. 
Rosalind. A lovely shade of pink, very large and free ; a fine grower. 25 cents each ; 

set of twelve varieties, $2 50. 

NEW YELLOW CARNATION (" Buttercup.") 

Rich golden yellow, similar in color to the " Marechal Niel " rose, with a few streaks 
of dear carmine. The florets are large, full and very double, from 2J to 3 inches in 
diameter. 35 cents each. 

NEW YELLOW CARNATION (" Field of Gold.") 

This is a pure yellow Carnation, of strong growth and profuse flowering late in the 
season. There is no stripe at all in it, being a straight out-and-out yellow. 35 cents each. 

.CANNA BHEMANI. 

This is the most magniflcent Canna ever introduced. It grows to a height of five_ or 
six feet, with large, green, banana-like foliage, and the flowers are remarkable in size, 
being as large as Gladiolus bloom. They are of a rich crimson-scarlet color, and hang 
pendant in clusters from the top of the plant. Each stalk produces a succession of these 
clusters one after another, for a long time. This Canna may be treated as a semi-aquatic, 
by planting it in a large tub partially immersed in water. It may also be grown in the 
garden like other varieties. It is a grand acquisition, and should be in every collection. 
50 cents each. 

CANNA GLADIOLIFLORA. 

Is quite distinct from Ehemani, in coloring being a rich amber or orange. The 
flowers are very large, growing erect instead of drooping. The foliage is of a beautiful 
blue-green, rather narrow, growing very compact and remarkably free-flowering, forming 
nearly solid masses of its rich warm coloring. The plant does not exceed six feet in 
height, and is very ornamental. 50 cents each. 

Canna " Adolph Weick." Rich pea-green foliage, very dwarf and compact habit ; 
flowers of a rich crimson-scarlet color, shaded with orange. 50 cents each. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 29 



WATERBR'S GRAND NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

These new Chrysanthemums, introduced by Mr. H. Waterer from direct importations 
from Japan, are certainly a grand addition to our already large list of varieties. 

Many of the varieties here oflfered were shown both at the Philadelphia and New 
York Horticultural Societies' exhibits last fall, and were the admiration of all who saw 
them. 

The flowers are of enormous size, measuring from five to seven inches across, and the 
colors are most distinct and rich beyond description. 

No collection, however large, is complete without these two sets of new-comers. 

Japanese Varieties. 

fion. John Walsh. Deep velvety wine purple, a decidedly new and distinct color in 

Chrysanthemums, free and good. 
President Garfield. Rich velvety claret color, distinct and beautiful. These two 

varieties first open flat. When older the petals incurve and show lighter colors on 

their backs. 
H. Waterer. Enormous flowers of great substance, and very double ; of the richest 

golden orange with a rich copper center. Somewhat flat in form, with petals broad 

at the base and tapering to a point. A superb variety. 50 cents each. 
President Arthur. Immmense rose flowers, tubular petals, opening in whorls; this 

was exhibited last Autumn, measuring more than seven inches across. 50 cents 

each. 
Buttercup. Distinctly Japanese in character, with thread-like petals of rich golden 

yellow ; fine. 
Minnie Miller. Rich, lilac rose, somewhat frizzled in form, very free flowering. The 

best rose-colored variety. 
Mrs. Wm. Mencke. Bright yellow, with slender petals of peculiar shape ; very distinct 

and pleasing ; late. 
P. L. Harris. Bright cinnamon red — a new and fine color, distinct and good ; late. 
Gloriosum. Beautiful primrose yellow ; very free flowering ; particularly good for com- 
mercial purposes, and one of the earliest. 
Delicatum. Blush ; very large ; petals broad and flat, tapering to a point. 
J. Collins. Immense large flat flowers, of copper bronze ; a self-colored variety. 
Bicolor. Enormous large, flat flowers ; red, striped with orange ; lasts long in flower. 
Lord Byron. Immense hemispherical flowers, double to the very center; color, rich, 

deep orange, shaded and tipped with fiery red. A most distinct and magnificent 

variety. 50 cents each. 
Jessica. Very long thread-like petals of the purest white ; shows a lemon eye when 

fully expanded ; a great bloomer. 
Fimbriatum. A very large flower of a most delicate shade of peach pink ; very much 

frizzled and fringed. A fantastic variety and a general favorite. 
Syringa. Lilac, of immense size ; center petals even, other petals very irregular. 
White Dragon. Pure white, similar in other respects to Golden Dragon. 
Christmas Eve. Magnificent white ; each petal curves and twists, the whole forming a 

ball of peculiar appearance ; the latest of all Chrysanthemums — good at Christmas. 

50 cents each ; 40 cents each except where noted ; the set of eighteen varieties for 

$7.00. 

Incurved and Chinese Varieties. 

Mrs. Chas. Wheeler. This forms one of what we consider an entirely new type of 
Chrysanthemums, having immense flowers with florets or petals of unusual breadth, 
incurved; sometimes convex in form. Outside of petals buff yellow; inside, rich, 
maroon red. The most distinct and grand variety ever introduced. 50 cents each. 

Mrs. Geo. W. Childs. In shape like the preceding variety ; outside petals white, dark 
rose inside. 50 cents each. 

Gorgeous. Golden yellow aster-like flower, full and double, early and distinct. 

Moonlight. Immense flowers of pure white ; this may be described as a white Temple 

of Solomon. 

W. K. Harris. This variety forms perfect balls of nankeen yellow ; at first it shows a 
light red center. 



30 E. D. STURTEVANT'S CAIALOGUE. 

CHRYSANTHBMUMS-Oontinued. 

Dutchess. Enormous red flowers almost like dahlias ; very free blooming, distinct and 

moderately early. 
Golden Prince. Beautiful primrose yellow color and in form like double asters ; very 

free blooming. 

40 cents each, except where noted ; the set of seven varieties for $3,00. 

CACTUS DAHLIA. 

Single Dahlias are becoming very popular. The one which we oflfer is not new, but 
we consider it equal to any. The flowers are semi-double, six inches across, and of the 
most vivid andfglowing scarlet color. As brilliant as a Gen. Grant Geranium. 35 cents 
each. 

NEW FUCHSIAS. 

American Flag. We feel assured in oflFering this new and distinct variety, it will become 
a general favorite and be greatly admired. It is a single variety, of compact, free 
habit of growth, flowering quite as early as any variety we know ; the flowers are 
single, of medium size and thick texture ; tube and sepals carmine-red ; the corolla 
is expanded or bell-shaped ; the petals are of a deep lavender blue, with distinct 
blotches of deep salmon-pink on each. This is the finest striped Fuchsia we have 
ever seen. 50 cents each. 

Boliviana Nivea. This is a Winter flowering variety, being a white form of the species 
Boliviana. The graceful flowers, with their very long tubes and elegant horizontal 
sepals of white, and the bright carmine corolla, make it a valuable acquisition. 50 
cents each. 

Erecta Var Novelty. Remarkably novel and distinct variety, tube and sepals white, 
with stained pink, sepal broad, corolla light pink, margined with rose ; free 
bloomer ; habit strong and branching. Instead of being pendant, like other 
varieties, the flowers of this stand entirely erect. Very pretty. 50 cents each. 

Flocon de Neige. This is truly a gem among Fuchsias ; tube and petals of soft coral- 
scarlet ; the corolla is single, large, open and bell-shaped, of the purest white ; the 
habit is compact and branching very early. 50 cents each. 

Speciosa Splendens (?). Tube rather short, sepals long, both of a rich salmon -pink ; 
corolla very large, rich carmine scarlet ; flowers nearly three times the size of 
Speciosa. Not of a very good habit, but the beauty of the flowers covers this defect. 
A magnificent flower, and a great favorite with us. 20 cents. 

Phenomenal. This is the largest Fuchsia we have yet seen, larger than Champion of the 
World; light red tube and sepals ; bright violet corolla; habit dwarf and free flower- 
ing. 35 cents each. 

Victor Hugo. Flowers very large, double; sepals clear red; corolla clear lilac; an 
entirely new color. 35 cents ; the set of seven varieties for $2.50. 

NEW DOUBLE GERANIUMS. 

The following grand new varieties are the products of the efforts of the most success- 
ful raiser of new Geraniums in Amercia : 

SECTION I. 

B. K. Bliss. Of all varieties, this has the largest flowers and most vivid coloring ; the 
individual flowers are two inches in diameter, of good shape, trusses large, color a 
rich tone of pure scarlet. 35 cents each. 

George Thorpe. As a bedding Geranium we have not seen its equal; the trusses are 
of immense size, on very strong footstalks ; the color is of the most intense light 
crimson ; the habit is branching and tne foliage never burns ; a grand variety. 

Gilded Gold. An entirely new color, being of a rich deep golden-orange ; the flowers 
are of medium size ; the trusses compact and freely produced, and one of the most 
distinct breaks of color ever made in the Geranium ; in fact it is the finger-post to 
the yellow variety not far distant. 35 cents each. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 31 



NEW DOUBLE GERANIUMS— Continued. 

Hofif. Beach. Rich amaranth-purple, of fine habit and robust constitution, the foliage 
wearing well in the hottest weather ; the flowers are of good size ; the trusses large 
and freely produced ; a good variety for bedding. 

John Heron. Rich, plum-purple flowers and trusses large ; habit compact and spread- 
ing ; a fine bedder and quite an acquisition. 

Mrs. Cope. Rich carmine-red, of large size and immense trusses ; the habit is all that 
can be desired, and a really fine bedder. 

Queen of the Fairies. A bi-color variety, of the most perfect shape, rich flesh color, 
mottled with pearly-white ; this has the largest and most perfectly shaped trusses 
of any variety we have ever seen ; grand. 

Sunlight. A most intensely fiery-salmon color, shaded orange ; of very free growth, 
with large and bold trusses ; a valuable and distinct bedding variety. 
25 cents each, except where noted. The entire set of 8 varieties, $2.00. 

SECTION II. 

Crimson Velvet. Flowers of the richest dark velvety-crimson, shaded black. 25c. 
Emerson. Very large trusses of deep shaded pink and salmon. 
James Y. Murkland. Bright peach-rose center, broadly margined with white. 
James Vick. Flowers and trusses of great size ; color deep flesh, with dark bronze 

shadings. 
Long'fello'W. Deep soft crimson, slightly shaded with purple-rose. 
Maggie Hallock. A deep pure pink shaded rose, with reflex of petals silvery-white. 
Peach Blossom. Flower white, shaded and marbled with light and dark peach-pink. 
Pocahontas. Immense trusses of rose-pink flowers, upper petals margined with white. 

20 cents each. The set of eight varieties for $1.25. 

NEW SINGLE GERANIUM. 

Peerless. Immense trusses of the purest white flowers, never coloring in the sun, and 
a good bedder. 25 cents each. 

NEW VARIEGATED GERANIUM. 

Mad. Salleroi. This is an entirely distinct variety, with leaves from one to two inches 
in diameter ; the center of each is of deep olive green with broad margins of pure 
white ; the plant is quite dwarf, growing in dense round masses, quite rapidly ; it 
is not aflFected in the slightest by exposure of direct sunlight, and will be valuable 
for baskets, vases, and for second rows in bedding designs. 20 cents. $2.00 per 
dozen. 

HELIANTHUS MULTIPLORUS PLBNUS (Double Perennial Sunflower). 

This is one of those rare old hardy plants that has been lost to cultivators for years, 
and we are pleased to be able to ofifer it. The plant grows about four feet high, bearing 
numerous large golden heads of flowers, as large as Dahlias, and continuing in bloom 
until frost, and will be much prized as corsage flowers. 25 cents each. 

IMPATIBNS SULTANI. 

This is one of the most distinct and beautiful of all flowering plants of recent intro- 
duction, either as a winter-blooming pot-plant, or for bedding in the border in the Sum- 
mer. It is of a compact, neat habit of growth, with good constitution, and a perpetual 
bloomer ; the flowers are of the richest carmine magenta color, of a peculiarly distinct 
but most effective hue, about one and a half inches in diameter, and are produced singly 
or in twos and threes from the axils of the leaves, especially towards the summit of the 
stems, but so freely that a well-grown specimen appears to be quite a ball of flowers. 20 
cents ; $2.00 per dozen. 



32 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



IPOMBA NOOTIPHYTON (the Evening Glory). 

We would like to see this fine climber in every garden in the land. It will grow to 
a height of thirty feet, bears flowers with a long, slender tube, expanding at the end into 
a flat corolla five inches in diameter, pure white, with the impression of a star in the 
center. They burst open suddenly just after sunset, and remain open until morning. 
They are also fragrant. It blooms very profusely, so that when viewed by lamplight it is 
very attractive. 25 cents ; $2.50 per dozen. 

LILIUM LONGIPLORUM PLORIBUNDA, OR HARRISI. 

It is evidently a variety of Longiflorum ; like it, the flowers are trumpet-shape. In 
color pure white, rather larger in size than Longiflorum, the petals more recurved, and 
in addition is exceedingly fragrant. But its great merit is its free-blooming habit. Large 
bulbs of the old variety give from two to three flowers, but the main stem of this sort will 
produce from four to eight or more flowers. It frequently sends up new shoots which 
will bear from two to four flowers, thus continuing the season of blooming for months. 
35 cents to $1.00. 

MONTBRBTIA POTTSI. 

A splendid, hardy, bulbous plant, growing about three feet high, and bearing branch* 
ing spikes of rich orange-scarlet flowers, resembling those of Tritonia aurea. 25 cents. 

REGAL PELARGONIUMS. 

This is a new class, with petals frilled in such a manner as to make the flowers 
appear double, and with wonderfully brilliant colors. 
Beauty of Oxton. The upper petals are of a rich maroon color, darkly blotched ; 

under petals very dark crimson, shaded with maroon ; light center, tinted with rose. 

All the petals are regularly margined with white and beautifully fringed. 60 cents 

each. 
Dr. Masters. Upper petals rich crimson, with large black blotch, lower petals small 

dark blotch ; dwarf, sturdy habit. 50 cents. 
Mad. Thibaut. White, richly blotched and marbled with rose, the upper petals marked 

with maroon ; large white center ; immense large trusses and flowers, with undu- 
lated petals ; a beautiful variety. 75 cents. 
Queen Victoria. Crispy petals, color rich vermilion, broadly margined with pure 

white, and the upper petals blotched with maroon. 50 cents. 

NEW HARDY WHITE PINK-(Snow). 

The flowers are of the purest white, much heavier and thicker in texture than the 
old Scotch Pink, and is fully one-third larger ; perfectly hardy. 30 cents each. 

NEW HYBRID TEA ROSE— (William Francis Bennett.) 

We take great pleasure in announcing that orders for plants will now be received, 
the delivery of which will commence March 1st, 1885. 

So celebrated has this rose become, that a description of it seems almost needless. 
We will, however, briefly refer to its most prominent characteristics : its color is similar 
to that of the General Jacqueminot ; its growth is very strong ; its remarkable fragrance 
exceeds that of La France ; its foliage is large, clean and bright, and, last and greatest, it 
is wonderfully prolific and of fine size. Well-established young plants, $1.50 each. 
Grown in 4-inch pots, $2.50 each. 

NEW TEA ROSE— (Sunset). 

This new rose is identical in every respect with that hitherto unequaled Rose, Perle 
des Jardins, except that its color, instead of being a canary-yellow, as in that variety, is 
of the rich tawny shade of saffron and orange, similar but deeper than the coloring of 
Safrano or Madame Falcot. In size, vigor and productiveness, it is, in all respects, the 
same as the variety from which it sprung, except that the color of the young foliage is 
of a much deeper crimson. It will prove most valuable for Winter forcing as well as a 
Summer-blooming rose. 30 cents to $1.00 each. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 33 



RUBLLIA MACRANTHA. 

A Brazilian plant. Flowers 2J inches across, of a fine violet-carmine ; a pleasing 
color. This plant is of free growth in a warm house, flowering profusely, and showy. One 
of the very finest Winter-blooming plants of recent introduction. 25 cents. 

STRBPTOSOLBN JAMBSONI. 

This fine plant was first introduced from Central America into France, where it has 
created quite a furore, as being one of the finest decorative plants brought into commerce. 
It is of easy culture, and produces large trusses of deep orange flowers, passing to a rich 
scarlet crimson ; it commences to flower early in March, and continues quite full, through 
June and July. 25 cents. 

SUMMBR-BLOOMING HYACINTH (Hyaointhus Oandicans). 

A snow-white Summer-flowering giant Hyacinth, growing from two to four feet in 
height, which is gracefully surmounted with from twenty to thirty pure white pendant 
bell-shaped flowers ; it is perfectly hardy, should be planted eight inches deep ; successive 
plantings will give flowers from July to September. 25 cents each ; $2.50 per doz. 

TORBNIA-RUBBNS. 

In this lovely Torenia we have another grand addition to this beautiful class of 
plants. Its distinct, strong creeping habit renders it a most valuable basket plant. 

The flowers, which are larger than the old varieties, are of a light violet-blue, deepen- 
ing to the edges, and deep violet-blue throat. 

As a plant for hanging-baskets, vases, etc., this variety will prove most desirable and 
valuable. 25 cents each ; $2.50 per dozen. 

TIGRIDIA GRANDIPLORA ALBA. 

A grand new variety, possessing all the advantages of the old varieties, both in vigor 
of growth and abundance of bloom, but with large ivory-white flowers, spotted with maroon 
and rosy lake in the center ; most beautiful when the bloom unfolds itself in the morn- 
ing; a most distinct and lovely variety. 25 cents each ; $2.50 per dozen. 

VIOLET (Swanley White). 

A sport from the popular and well-known Maria Louise. It is in every way equal to 
its parent, having the same growth, the same freedom of flowering, the same perfume, 
and the individual flowers are equally as large, and are of the purest white color, The 
finest Double White Violet in cultivation, and is a grand acquisition. 30 cents ; $3.00 
per dozen. 



GENERAL COLLECTION OF GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



ABUTILON. 

Boule de Niege. A fine variety, with pure white flowers. 15 cents each. 
Brilliant. Bright red, free dwarf habit. 25 cents. 
Cloth of Gold. Golden yellow, smooth flower. 25 cents. 

Vexillarium aureuza pictum. Foliage marbled with yellow ; trailing habit ; fine 
for vases and baskets. 15 cents each. 

AGAPANTHUS UMBELLATUS. 

A member of the Lily family. Flowers borne on stalks two or three feet high, in 
large clusters ; rich blue. 50 cents to $1.00. 

A. umbellatus alba. A fine companion for the above, with white flowers. $1.00. 
5 



34 E. D. STUBTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



AOHRYANTHBS EMBRSONII. 

A great improvement on the old varieties, the stems and a large part of the foliage 
being deep rose color. 15 cents. 

AGBRATUM. 

Cope's Pet. A new variety, and a decided improvement on John Douglass, of a deeper 
blue, and more compact habit. 15 cents each. 

DOUBB WHITB SWEET ALYSSUM. 

The old single variety is not worth cultivating in comparison with this. The trusses 
are larger, and the flowers are of a purer white. 15 cents each ; $1.50 per dozen. 

ALTBNANTHBRAS. 

Dwarf plants, with very bright foliage, of many colors. Excellent for ribbon beds. 
Amaena speotabilis. Crimson, the brightest of them all. 
Amabilis tricolor. Orange, red and green. 

Aurea nana. Bright golden yellow, holding its color well the entire season. 15 cents 
each ; $1.50 per dozen. 

AMARYLLIS. 

Bulbous plants, with gorgeous, lily-like flowers ; produced in Winter. They make a 
fine growth, if planted out in Summer in a bed of rich soil, in a partially shaded place. 
Lift in the Autumn, and pot them. 

Johnsoni. Beautiful scarlet, with a white stripe. $1.50. 
Hybrids, of our own raising. 75 cents to $2.00. 
Prince of Orange. Bright orange, large. $2.00. 
Vittata. White, striped with dark rose ; extra. $1.00. 

Lutea. This is something little known. It is hardy, and blooms in the Fall. Flowers 
are a rich golden yellow, very showy. 15 cents each. 

ALOOASIA ARBOREA. 

The Tree Galadium is greatly superior to the common Elephant's Ear as an orna- 
mental foliage plant. The leaves are large, glossy and upright. When the plant 
acquires some age, it has a tree-like trunk, two or three feet high. It should not 
be dried oflF in Winter, but kept in a growing state. Young plants, 25 cents each ; 
larger, 50 cents to $1.00, 

BEGONIA (tuberous-rooted). 
Mixed. Raised from choice English seed. 35 cents. 

BBQONIA (shrubby section). 

Glaucophylla scandens. A trailing variety, with flowers richly shaded, orange and 
red. 25 cents. 

Miniata. A very pretty shade of orange-scarlet. 

Multiflora. Light pink, pendant flowers. 

Manicata. Large panicles of numerous, small, delicate pink flowers. 25 cents. 

Rubra. This bears clusters of bright scarlet flowers all the year round, and is very pop- 
ular. 20 to 50 cents. 

Saundersoni. Deep, rosy red ; very free bloomer. 

Weltoniensis. Rich pink ; very abundant. 
15 cents, except where noted. 

BOUVARDIA. 

Shrubby plants with corymbs of white, rose, crimson and scarlet flowers, blooming 
during the Autumn and Winter. Their dazzling richness of color and formation of flower 
make them one of the most useful of our Winter-blooming plants for bouquets. 
Oavidsoni. The best of the white-flowered varieties ; sometimes delicately tinged with 
pink. 20 cents ; $2.00 per dozen. 



QREENHOUSE PLANTS. 35 



BOUVARDIA— Continued. 

Dazzler, A splendid variety, of bushy, compact habit ; very floriferous. It produces 

fine clusters of large, rich, scarlet flowers. 
Double White. The flowers are composed of three perfect rows of petals of the purest 

waxy white color, each floret resembling a miniature tuberose ; a very valuable 

acquisition, 
Elegans. Light scarlet carmine; flower and truss immense size, measuring three to 

four inches in diameter. 
Humboldti Corymbiflora. Long, tube-shaped, pure white flowers ; very fragrant. 
Leiantha. Fine scarlet ; compact, deep green foliage. 
President Garfield. Bright, pink, double flower, in the style of double white. 

CACTUSES. 

We have several varieties of this interesting family, including the following : 

Cactus speciocisimus. Brilliant scarlet and crimson. 
Cereus grandiflora. White, night-blooming. 
C. Macdonaldi. The largest night-blooming. 
Triangularis. Immense white flowers. 50 cents each. 

CALADIUM HSCULBNTUM. 
We have seen leaves of this six feet long and three feet wide. 25 cents to $1,00. 

CALL A (Richardia .ZBthiopica); 

Everybody's plant. If rested in Winter, may be made to flower in Summer, and used 
as an aquatic. 25 cents to $1.00. 

Richardia Maculata (the spotted Calla). Leaves marked with white spots, flowers 
smaller. 25 cents. 

CANNA (the Shot Plant.) 

We offer a small but choice collection of these noble plants, with tropical foliage and 
large, brilliant flowers. 
Adele Levallois. Grows only three feet high, with stout green leaves, and bears 

abundance of very large flowers of a dazzling scarlet. 
Compactum. Long green leaves ; flowers bright yellow ; six feet. 
Bhemani. See new plants. 50 cents. 
Imperator. This superb Canna makes a mass of green banana-like foliage, from ten 

to twelve feet high. Flowers of the richest scarlet. 
President Paivre. Flowers rich dark crimson, of a very beautiful shade ; rich violet- 
purple foliage. 
Except where noted, 25 cents ; $2.00 per dozen. 

CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

Exhibitions devoted entirely to these charming flowers have recently been held in 
many of the large cities. This has given a great stimulus to their culture. Our collection 
is the result of enthusiastic observation and study, and comprises about one hundred 
varieties. See, also. New Plants. Except where noted, 15 cents each ; 10 for $1.00. 

Large- Flowering Incurved Chinese. 

Barbara. Rich orange amber ; large, and one of the most perfectly incurved. 

Baron Beust. Red-chestnut, tipped with gold. Finely incurved. 

Empress of India. White, very large and fine, perfect in shape, one of the finest. 

Golden Queen of England. Golden canary, large and fine. 

Gloria Mundi. Bright yellow, dwarf habit and very fine. Early. 

Guernsey Nugget. Primrose-yellow, large and most deliciously lemon-scented. 



36 E. D. STURTEVANTS CAIALOOUE. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS— Continued. 

Jardin des Plantes. Bright golden-orange, like the heart of a Marechal Niel Rose. 
The richest among the yellows. 

Lady Talfourd. Delicate rose-lilac, silvery back, finely incurved, exquisite form. 

Lord Derby. Dark purple, finely incurved. Quite distinct. 

Mrs. George Bundle. Pure white, beautifully incurved ; the best white in cultivation, 

Mrs. George Glenny. Finely incurved flower, of the most delicate and beautiful pale- 
primrose yellow. 

Mrs. O. H Glover. Rich golden yellow, of exquisite form, and a free bloomer. 

Pink Perfection. Delicate pink, large and of exquisite form. 

Temple of Solomon. A king among Chrysanthemums. Flowers five inches in 
diameter, with broad petals, beautifully incurved, and of the brightest golden 
yellow. Magnificent. 20 cents. 

Venus. Lilac-peach color. A most perfectly formed incurved flower. 

White Venus. Pure white, with fine broad, incurved, waxy petals. 

Large Beflexed Chinese. 

Alfonso. Bright maroon-crimson, tipped with gold ; very showy. 

Julie Lagravere. Velvety crimson, very rich color. 

Progne. richest purple-amaranth ; medium sized flowers of the most intense color; fine 

and fragrant. 
Mad. Lemoine. Flowers large ; rich pink shaded with white ; good. 
Except where noted, 15 cents each ; 10 for $1.00. 

Pompon and Intermediate Sized Flowers. 

Arbre de Noel. Rich bronze and chrome, slightly fringed ; of neat and compact habit ; 

one of the best. 
Brilliant. Crimson scarlet ; medium size. 
Compactum. Delicate blush. One of the very best. 

Crimson Perfection. Bright crimson. One of the richest colored varieties. 
Gaillardia. Orange, shaded with red ; free bloomer. Very double and full. 
Golden Pheasant. Fine golden-yellow. Splendid form. 
Innocence. Delicate rosy-lilac ; free and fine. 

Kift. Pure white, very high center ; good white pompone for florists' use. Early. 
Little Bob. Bright maroon-red. Very profuse. 

Md'lle Marthe. Pure white. Of the most perfect shape, like miniature dahlias. 
Model of Perfection. Very fine form ; lilac-rose ; each petal edged with white. Early. 
Princess Louisa. Bright rosy-lilac ; very double. Early and profuse bloomer; 
Perle des Beautes. Finely imbricated, ranunculus flowered; color bright crimson- 
amaranth. 
Princess Meletia. Pure wjiite ; most exquisitely fringed. Very beautiful. 
Purity. White, a very free bloomer, and for cut flowers one of the best. 15 cents each ; 
• 10 plants for %\.00. 

Anemone or Quilled Aster-like Chrysanthemums. 

Calliope. Brassy red ; large center of orange. 

Dick Turpin. Deep Magenta ; high center of lemon yellow. 

Eugene Lanjaulet. Deep yellow, bright orange center; a superb variety. 

Pleur de Marie. A superb flower ; large, pure white with high center ; a gem. 20 cents. 

Gluck. Rich golden yellow ; very large. 

Geo. Sands. Red, with gold center ; fine and free. 

Except where noted, 15 cents each. 10 plants for $1.00. 

Single Varieties, with Single and Semi-Douhle Flowers and Rich Golden Discs. 

James T. Murkland. Petals purest snowy-white ; very long, much reflexed on the 
outer edges, inner petals arranged in irregular shapes, resembling the wavy-like 
curls as found in the most beautiful ostrich plumes ; superb. 25 cents. 

John W. Chambers. Flowers very large, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, of the purest 
golden-yellow ; late, fine single. 20 cents. 

Rosalind. Very bright pink outer ray, with broad band of pure white around the 
yellow disc. This exquisite variety is entirely single, and resembles a large Cine- 
raria flower. 20 cents. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 37 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS— Continued. 

Japanese Varieties. 

The Japanese varieties are the most variable in form and coloring, and are perhaps 

the most admired. To describe these is impossible, more than to say they are all irreg- 
ular in form ; some flowers terminating with a flat turban-like center — others with spiral 

crowns — other in hollow cups. The petals of the flowers are as much varied, being either 

tubular, curved, plaited or fringed. 

Abd-el-Kader. Rich, deep maroon crimson ; petals twisted ; beautiful, distinct variety. 

Annie Thorpe. Opening blush at first, rather flat, afterwards forming complete round 
snowy- white balls, with petals more or less irregular; in habit all that can be 
desired ; of medium size, rather late ; a grand variety. 25 cents. 

Comte de Germiny. Among all the Japanese varieties this is one of the most con- 
spicuous ; very large flowers and remarkably broad petals of a rich orange-brown ; 
reverse of petals silvery bronze. 25 cents. 

Blaine. Large, pure white, tinted with carmine when they become old. Early. 

Ethel. Splendid large white flower, with ribbon-like petals. May be had in flower as 
late as Christmas. 

Fair Maid of Guernsey. Pure white, with ribbon-shaped petals, but distinct from 
the above and earlier. 

Fantasie. Flowers of blush-white and of good size ; each petal has a convex surface 
and is slightly twisted, being two or three inches in length. 

Fleur Parfaite. Rose-tinted lilac ; flowers large and early. 

Fulton. Long twisted florets, of the most intense golden-yellow color ; fine, distinct. 

Golden Dragon. Rich yellow, with long petals, twisted and curled in a fantastic 
manner. Extra. 

Kata Kana. Very large, rich, deep, bronzy-buff, with a peculiar warm chrome shade. 

Lacinatum. Pure white, so finely fringed as to appear more like a Pink than a Chrys- 
anthemum. Charming. 

La Charmense. Bright, purplish crimson, often variegated with white ; fine. 

Lady Selbourne. The flowers are very double, and of immense size, and are composed 
of a multitude of small petals from four to five inches long, which, as they expand, 
become curled and twisted in a most curious manner, appearing like balls of 
shavings, of snowy-like whiteness. 20 cents. 

Mad. C. Audigiuer. Flowers of the largest size, of the purest rosy-pink ; a gem. 

Mad. Desgrange. Very large pure white flower, with yellow center ; petals curved and 
twisted ; fine variety ; very early. 

M. Lemoine. Flowers of immense size, rich crimson, tipped with orange-yellow ; one of 
the very best. 

M. Mouesillac. Enormous flowers ; the color is dark crimson, with fiery-red center ; the 
nearest approach to scarlet. 25 cents. 

Mrs. C. Carey. A magnificent variety, with large broad petals of pearly-white, much 
curved and twisted. On first opening the flowers show disc, but after, the petals 
incurve, and form a nearly perfect ball in shape. Fine bold foliage. 20 cents. 

M. Juan Cruz De Bguileor. Immense flower, long recurved florets of a bright reddish 
crimson, with golden backs. 

Nuit d'Hiver. Bronze, tinted brown, golden tips, dwarf and free. 

Peter the Great. Fine large flowers, of a lemon-yellow, with strap-shaped petals, 
slightly incurved. Extra. 

Purple King. Purple, shaded with mauve magenta. 

Parasol. A very large and fine incurved fiower, of a golden buff'-color, shaded with 
rich crimson. 

Striata Perfecta. White, very large ; perfected shape, mottled and lined with rosy-lilac. 

The Sultan. Large. Florets bright rosy-purple, with a lighter back. Splendid. 

The Cossack. Flowers of the richest maroon and yellow ; shaded. Very fine. 

Triomphe de la Rue de Chatelets. One of the largest and most distinct of all the 
Chrysanthemums ; petals five inche8|long,>rranged in whorls, silky and flossy in 
appearance, of a rich buff", shaded nankeen ; a superb variety. 35 cents. 

Tisiphone. Flowers like beautifully fringed tassels of rich bronze red and old-gold. 

Tokio. Fiery flame color, like a gorgeous sunset ; almost a scarlet. A charming color. 
Except where noted, 15 cents each. 10 plants for $1.00. 

Yesso. Very large flower, long, straight petals; rich reddish-brown, shaded with gold. 



38 E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 

OOLBUS. 

We have selected the following, as being the best and most distinct among the 
newer and older sorts : 
Blackbird. Leaves and stems jet black, the whole plant growing very vigorously; the 

best of all really dark varieties for bedding. 
Fairy Knoll. Maroon, with deep wine-red markings. 
Garfield. Maroon crimson, mottled white and green. 

Golden Bedder. This has proved with us the best of all yellow varieties for bedding. 
Kirk Allo'way. Eich carmine, maroon and purple : fine. 

Joseph's Coat. A distinct variety, mottled violet, white and purple on a green ground. 
Micawber. White stems and mid-ribs, carmine and maroon markings on broadly 

margined green leaves. 
Mrs. Humphreys. Mottled pink, yellow and maroon, green margins. 
Progress. Golden yellow, rose, carmine and green ; beautifully spotted and speckled. 
Queen of the Lawn. A bright-colored variety, carmine, black and green. 
Queen Victoria. Crimson, with the brightest golden edge ; excellent for bedding. 
Ruby. Carmine center, maroon border, deeply toothed, margined yellow and green. 
Verschaffelti. The old stand-by for a crimson-leaved bedder. 
Verschaffelti Splendens. Bright, glowing red, decidedly more brilliant than the 

old VerschaflFelti, but not as strong a grower. 10 cents each ; $1.00 per dozen. 



Daphne indica alpha. Very sweet, pinkish flowers. 35 cents to $1.00. 
Dahlias. A good collection. 20 cents each ; $2.25 per dozen. 
Cactus Dahlia. (See new plants.) 35 cents. 

GENERAL COLLECTION OP FUCHSIAS. 

Fuchsias with white tubes and sepals, and pink or scarlet corollas. 
Arabella. Arabella Improved. Brilliant. Starlight. 

Fuchsias with salmon colored or rosy tubes and sepals, and scarlet corollas. 
Earl of Beaconsfleld. Speciosa. Speciosa splendens. 20 cents. 

Fuchsias with scarlet tubes and sepals, and rose colored corollas. 
Swanley Gem. Gov. Baker. Bird of Paradise. 20 cents. 

Single Fuchsias, with scarlet tubes and sepals, and purple or crimson corollas. 
Charming. Galatea. Inimitable. Wave of Life. 20 cents. 

Double Fuchsias, with white corollas and scarlet tubes and sepals. 

Snow White. In our opinion this the finest double white Fuchsia in cultivation. 

It is a good grower, of fair habit, while the flowers are immense, fully as large as 

some of the largest dark varieties. Tube and sepals coral red, corolla pure waxy 

white and of very fine form. 20 cents each. 
Mad. Van der Strass. This variety is nearly perfection. The tubes and sepals are 

brilliant deep scarlet, thick and leathery in texture ; the corolla is very large and 

double, and nearly pure white. 25 cents. 

Doubles, with dark purple or bluish corollas. 
Avalanche. Elm City. Sir Colin Campbell. Phenomenal. 35 cents. 

Varieties with variegated foliage. 

Sunray. Beautifully variegated with white and red, like a tricolor Geranium. 20 cents. 
Prices of all Fuchsias, except where noted, 15 cents each. $1.20 per dozen. 



Gardenia Florida. The fragrant Cape Jessamine. 25 cents to $1.00. 
Gardenia Fortunei. Flowers twice the size of the above. 50 cents to $1.00. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



39 



ZONAL GBRANIUMS-QBNERAL COLLECTION. 

This list comprises standard varieties, which have stood the test of several years' 
culture. 

Gen. Grant. Bright scarlet. The best bedder among the single-flowered. 
Jeanne d'Arc. One of the finest pure white Zonals ever sent out. 
Jersey Belle. Large trusses ; each flower of good shape ; nearly two inches across and 

of a soft, rich scarlet. 
Master Christine. The best pure deep pink bedder. 
New Life. Brilliant scarlet, distinctly striped with white. 
Rev. Wm. Atkinson. The most intense dark scarlet ; exquisite color. 
Marshal MacMahon. Golden bronze. 20 cents. 
Mad. Salleroi. 20 cents. (See New Plants.) 
Happy Thought. Bright yellow center, 20 cents. 
Rose scented. 

Mrs. Taylor. Leaf like the Rose Geranium ; flowers scarlet, ever blooming. 
Lemon scented. 

Price, except where noted, 15 cents each; ten plants for $1.00. 

DOUBLE-FLOWERED ZONAL GERANIUMS. 

These are becoming more popular than the single, are quite as free flowering, and 
fine for bedding and Winter blooming. 

Apple Blossom. A delicate shade of pink, as seen in the flowers of apple blossoms. 
Charles Darwin. Amaranth-purple, shaded crimson, with orange markings on the 

upper petals. 
J. H. Klippart. A fine deep scarlet, one of the very best bedders. 
Jean Dolfuss. Beautiful purple magenta ; a peculiar shade of color. Extra. 
Madame Amelia Baltet. The best pure white double. Very fine for cut flowers. 
Mad. Thibaut. Very rich, deep pink. Extra fine. 
Mrs. Chas. Pease. Beautiful rose color and a fine bedder. 
Othello. Deepest crimson, fine color, and a most excellent bedder. 
Robert Buist. Brilliant scarlet. Extra fine for bedding. 

Price, 15 cents ; 10 plants for $1.00. 

HELIOTROPE. 

Everybody's favorite, both for Summer and Winter. 
Chieftain. Lilac, large truss and unusually fragrant. 
Violet Queen. Fine violet. 
Mad. de Blonay. Pure white when grown under glass. 

15 cents each ; 10 plants for $1.00. 



An incessant bloomer. 



HANGING-BASKET AND VASE PLANTS. 



Abutilon vexillarium pictum. 15 

cents. 
Begonias ; various. 
Cissus discolor (shade). 25 cents. 
Perns; various. 
Fuchsia procumbens (the Trailing 

Fuchsia). 10 cents. 
Isolepis gracilis. 15 cents. 
Ivy ; English. 25 cents. 
Linaria (Kenilworth Ivy). 10 cents. 
Lobelia (erinus and compacta). 10 

cents. 

One dozen, our 



Lycopodium. 15 cents. 
Lophospermum scandens. 15 cents. 
Maurandias ; three colors. 10 cents. 
Othona crassifolia. 10 cents. 
Parlor Ivy (Senecio). 10 cents. 
Panicum variegatum. 10 cents. 
Peristrophe aurea. 10 cents. 
Russelia juncea. 15 cents. 
Torrenia asiatica. 15 cents. 
Tradescantia multicolor. 15 cents. 
Thunbergias ; various colors. 10 cents. 
Vinca major variegta. 10 to 25 cents, 
selection, $1.00. 



$1.00. 



HYDRANGEA-THOMAS HOGG. 
Like the old pink Hydrangea, with large trusses of pure white flowers. 25 cents to 



40 E. D. STURTEVANT'S CA7AL0QUE. 

Hedychium acuminatum. 50 cents. 

H. gardnerianum. 50 cents. 

Hibiscus Rosea Sinensis. Very large scarlet flowers ; fine either Summer or Winter. 

25 centa. 
Hedera Helix (English Ivy). 25 to 50 cents. 
Imantophyllum Miniatum. Splendid bufi-orange ; lily-like flowers in large clusters, 

produced in Winter. $1.00 to $2.00 
Justicia Coccinea. Scarlet Salvia-like ; flowers in Winter. 25 cents. 
Lilium Longiflorum. Trumpet-shape, pure white, fragrant flowers. 25 cents. 
Lasiandra macrantha. Large flowers of a rich indigo-purple. 30 cents. 
Linum trigynum. Splendid golden yellow, flowers in Winter. 30 cents. 
Lantana. Good varieties, of all the usual colors. 15 cents each ; $1.50 per dozen. 
Mahernia odorata (Honeybell). Very fragrant, yellow, flowers in Winter. It may be 

nicely grown in a hanging-basket by itself, when it makes a beautiful object. 

25 cents. 
Myrsiphyllum, Smilai. The well known climber. 25 cents. 
Myosotis dissitiflora (the Forget-me-not). Lovely delicate blue flowers, Fine for 

Winter forcing. 15 cents. 

MUSA (the Banana). 

No plant will produce a more tropical efiect in the garden than these. All the 

species named below can be grown in the open air in Summer. The leaves of the last 

two will be better preserved if the plants are somewhat sheltered by buildings or trees. 

Bnsete. The noblest of all plants is this great Abyssinian Banana. The fruit of this 

variety is not edible, but the leaves are magnificent, long, broad and massive, of a 

beautiful green, with a broad crimson midrib ; the plant grows luxuriantly from 8 

to 12 feet high. During the hot Summer, when planted out, it grows rapidly, and 

attains gigantic proportions, producing a tropical eflfect on the lawn, terrace or 

flower garden. It can be stored in a light cellar or cool greenhouse during the 

Winter, with a covering of soil, or planted in a tub, watered sparingly. We offer a 

fine lot of these plants. Large plants, 5 feet high, $5.00. 2 to 8 feet high, $2.50. 

Oavendishi (the Dwarf Fruiting Banana). Very easily fruited in a warm greenhouse, 

and fine for planting out in Summer. $2.00. 
Sapientum. This is the large fruiting banana of the tropics. Quite distinct from the 
others, with a tall trunk and grand foliage. $2.00. 

NIOOTIANA APPINIS (the Sweet Scented Tobacco). 

This is a species of tobacco with ornamental flowers. They have tubes three inches 
long, and a white, star-shaped corolla over two inches across. They emit a delicious 
fragrance at night, perfuming the whole surrounding atmosphere. The plant blooms 
freely the whole Summer. 20 cents each ; $1.50 per dozen. 

NEW AND CHOICE DOUBLE PETUNIAS. 

The collection here offered is particularily rich in color, of the largest size, with 
fringed margins, fine form and very double. 

Attraction. White, splashed with rosy carmine and purple ; finely fringed. 
Charm. Delicate shade of rosy lilac, deep lace fringe ; fine. 
Comet. Pure white, splashed and mottled with purple and crimson ; fringed. 
Diana. Rich purplish crimson, mottled and splashed with white ; finely fringed. 
Morning Star. Pure white, splashed with rosy carmine ; finely fringed. 
Snowdrift. Finest double white ; slightly fringed. 
Triumph. Rosy purple, edged with white ; fringed. 

20 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 



Pansies. Raised from the choicest European seed, including " Show," " Fancy " and 
" Odi«^r," or blotched varieties. Plants from frames, 75 cents per dozen. 

Panicum plicatum var (Palm Grass). Broad, graceful foliage j about two feet high. 
Good for large urns or vases. 20 cents. 

Pyrethum (Feverfew). Double white. 15 cents; $1.50 per dozen. 

Bogeria Thyrsiflora. Large trusses of pink flowers ; deliciously fragrant, especially 
at night. $1.00. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 41 



In the following list, Teas, Noisettes, Bourbons, &c., are classed together. 

BVBR-BLOOMINQ ROSES. 

Appoline. An extra fine Rose ; color clear pink, dashed with rosy crimson. 
Agrippina. Brilliant fiery red ; good size and form ; very double, full and sweet. 
Arch Duke Charles. Brilliant crimson, shaded with deep pink, changeable colors. 
Bougere. Tea scent ; color bronze rose, or violet crimson, delicately shaded with lilac. 
Bon Silene. Noted for the beauty of its buds ; deep rose color, occasionally pale rose. 
Catharine Mermet. Bright flesh color, full and beautiful ; one of the most lovely of 

its color. 
Cornelia Cook. Creamy white, fine large buds of perfect form. 
Cels. Pale rose color; good shaped buds; plant a clean, healthy grower. 
Cheehunt Hybrid. Purple maroon, shaded with crimson; Tea scented, climbing 

habit. 
Duchesse de Brabant. Soft, rosy flesh, changing to deep rose, edged with silver. 
Douglass. Dark, cherry red, rich and velvety ; large, full and double, fragrant. 
Devoniensis (Magnolia Rose). Beautiful creamy white, with rosy center; large, 

very full and double, delightfully sweet. Magnolia scent ; one of the finest Roses. 
Btoile de Lyon. Fine striking sulphur yellow, deeper in the center ; for Summer 

bedding one of the finest yellow roses in cultivation. 
Gloire de Dijon. A magnificent old Rose, one of the very finest in every respect ; 

large, perfectly double and Tea scented ; color rich, creamy yellow, shaded with 

lovely amber ; a splendid climber or pillar Rose. Strong budded plants, 50 cents 

to $1.00. 
Homer. Tea scented ; color light flesh, changing to silvery rose ; very fine. 
Hermosa. Constant bloomer ; hardy ; color beautiful clear rose ; one of the best. 
Isabella Sprunt. Bright canary yellow ; large beautiful buds ; profuse bloomer. 
Jean Fernet. Beautiful pale yellow ; large, very full and double ; Tea scented. 
James Sprunt. Deep cherry red ; valuable for a pillar or climbing Rose. 
Lamarque. Pale canary yellow, almost pure white ; large, full flowers, climbing. 
Marcelin Roda. Color, pale lemon yellow, deepening toward the center to golden 

yellow ; lovely buds and flowers. 
Mad. Bosanquet. A fine old variety, pale flesh, double and sweet. 
Mad. Damazine. Beautiful salmon Rose, changing to amaranth and bright pink. 
Mad. Bravy. Rich creamy white, with blush center ; perfect form. 
Melville. Bright pink, changing to silvery rose ; good, full form, double and fragrant. 
Malmaison. Rich, creamy flesh ; very large, perfectly double and exceedingly sweet. 
Marechal Niel. Very double and deliciously perfumed ; deep, golden yellow, buds of 

immense size. Good plants on their own roots, in five>inch pots ; price 30 cents 

each. Strong budding plants, 50 cents to $1.00. 
Niphetos. This is the white Rose par excellence ; color of the purest white, large, full, 

fragrant. Price, 20 cents to $1.00 each. 
Pink Daily. Clear, bright pink, medium size ; a constant bloomer. 
Perle des Jardins. This magnificent rose still retains its place as one of the very finest 

sorts lately introduced. Its color is a rich shade of yellow ; large size and perfect 

form. Tea fragrance, a healthy, free grower, and unequaled in profusion of bloom, 

either in greenhouse in Winter, or in the open ground in Summer. 30 cents to 

$1.00 each. 
Queen of Bedders. A splendid variety, with flowers of a bright, dark crimson color. 

It is probably the freest flowering rose known. 
Reine Marie Henriette. Rich cherry crimson, finely shaped buds ; climbing habit. 
Setina (climbing Hermosa). Flowers exactly like Hermosa, but the plant is of a climb- 
ing habit. 

6 



42 K D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 

EVER BLOOMING ROSES— Continued. 

Souv. d'un Amie. Large, very double, full and sweet ; color deep rosy flesh. 
Safrano. Bright, apricot yellow, changing to orange and fawn, sometimes tinted with 

rose ; valued highly for its beautiful buds ; fragrant. 
Sombrieul. Pure white, edged and tinged with silvery rose. 
Viridiflora (Green Rose). Flowers quite double ; pure, deep green ; a great curiosity, 

HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES. 

This class is entirely hardy, and produces large, fragrant flowers of varied and beau- 
tiful colors. 

Auguste Mie. Clear, bright pink ; very large and finely cupped ; fragrant and good. 

Baronne Provost. Beautiful clear, bright rose, shaded with crimson ; very large. 

Coquette des Alps. Flowers pure white, sometimes shaded with blush ; very desirable. 

General Washington. Bright, vermilion rose ; large, fine form, perfectly double. 

General Jacqueminot. Rich, velvety scarlet, changing to scarlet crimson ; magnifi- 
cent bud. 

John Hopper. Brilliant rose, changing to bright crimson ; reverse of petals lilac purple ; 
a fine, large, showy sort ; very fragrant. 

Lady Emily Peel. A charming Rose ; medium size and full form; very sweet; color 
white, sometimes tinged and shaded with blush. 

La France. Peach color shaded Rose. A vote was taken in France to determine the 
best rose in existence, and this variety received the greatest number of votes of 
any in its class. Fragrance like that of the old Damask, and one flower will 
perfume a whole room. It is the sweetest rose in the world. Price 30 to 50 cents. 

La Reine. Beautiful clear, bright rose ; fine full form, very fragrant. 

Mad. Victor Verdier. Rich, bright, cherry red, changing to satin rose ; large and full. 

Mad. Plantier. Pure white ; large and very double ; a good hardy Rose, suitable for 
cemetery planting. 

Pseonia. One of the finest old Roses ; very large, full flower ; clear, bright rose. 

Paul Neron. Extra large, full, fine form ; deep carmine color ; very fragrant. 

Paul Verdier. An excellent Rose, of clear, brilliant pink color ; large, full and sweet. 

Prince Camille de Rohan. Rich, dark, velvety crimson, changing to scarlet maroon. 

Rev. J. B. Camm. Flowers of large size ; fine globular form ; bright rosy pink. 

MOSS ROSES. 

Elizabeth Rowe. Light Rose ; very large and double, somewhat variable, but fine. 
Princess Adelaide. Fine, strong grower ; hardy ; flowers bright, rosy pink, large and 
very double, beautifully mossed. 

BANKSIA ROSES. 

Charming little Rose, borne in clusters, and having no thorns upon their branches. 

For the Greenhouse only. 

White Banksia. Double flowers about one inch across; white, and having the fra- 
grance of mignonette. 

Yellow Banksia. Similar to the above, with pretty buff-yellow flowers. Small plants 
of each variety, 25 cents. 

CLIMBING ROSES. 

Prairie Queen. Clear bright pink, sometimes with a white stripe ; large, compact and 
globular, very double and full ; blooms in clusters ; one of the finest. 

Baltimore Belle. Pale blush, variegated carmine rose and white ; very double ; flowers 
in beautiful clusters, the whole plant appearing a perfect mass of bloom. 
Price of all Roses, except where noted, five-inch pots, 30 cents each ; $3.00 per dozen ; 

six'inch pots, 45 and 50 cents each; $5.00 per dozen. Smaller plants, 20 cents each. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 43 



SUMMER CLIMBERS. 

Antigonon leptopus. See new plants. 

Batatas paniculata. See new plants. 

Ipomea Leari. Very large blue flowers, much finer than the annual Morning Glorv 

20 cents. ' 

Ipomea Noctiphyton. The finest of the Morning Glory family. See new plants. 

25 cents. 
Lophospermum scandens. Rosy flowers, shaped like a Foxglove. 15 cents. 
Maurandia Barclayana. Elegant either for Summer or Winter. White, rose and 

purple. 10 cents each. 
Mannettia cordifolia. Tubular flowers ; of the most vivid orange scarlet. A charm- 
ing vine. 25 cents. 
Solanum Jasminoides. Jessamine-like white flowers, in clusters. Produces freely. 

15 cents, 
Thunbergia alata. White, buflf and orange flowers, with black eyes. Each 8 cents ; 

75 cents per dozen. 
Double Tropeolum (Hermine Grosshoff). Fine orange-scarlet, perfectly double 

flowers, about two inches in diameter. 20 cents. 
Double Tropeolum (Plenissimus majue). A strong growing variety of climbing 

habit, and large orange colored flowers with dark center. 20 cents. 



Salvia patens. Sky-blue, of the most lovely shade. 25 cents. 

Salvia splendens. Scarlet sage. 15 cents each; $1.50 per dozen. 

Stevia compacta. Fine white flowers in Winter. 15 cents. 

Stevia Variegata. Leaves edged with white, much used in ribbon-beds, with red 

Coleus. 10 cents each ; $1.00 per dozen. 
Verbenas. A fine collection of thirty named sorts. $1.00 per dozen. 
Vinca Major Variegata. (Periwinkle). Beautiful training plant;* leaves variegated 

with white. Very much used in baskets and vases. 10 cents each ; $1.00 per 

dosen. Larger, 25 cents. 



Violets. "Marie Louise," dark blue; the best double. "Neapolitan," double 
light blue. "Queen Victoria," large single dark blue, good either for forcing 
or the garden. 15 cents each ; $1.50 per dozen. See, also, new plants. 



ALOOASIA. 

Gibsoni. Leaves like a Caladium ; rich green and black. 25 to 50 cents. 
Mettallica. Rich bronze. $1.00. 

Violacea. A strong-growing plant, with purplish leaves and stems, covered with a 
violet bloom. Very fine. 50 cents. 



Achimene. "Eclipse," rosy crimson; Longiflora major," bright blue. 20 cents 
each. 

Ananassa sativa variegata. The variegated Pineapple; the best varietv. $1.00 

to $5.00. 
Anthurium Sherzerianum. The Flamingo flower. $2.00. 
Begonia. Fine foliage varieties. Seven kinds. 15 to 25 cents each. 
Cyperus alternifolius variegatus. 50 cents. 



44 E. D. STUBTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 

OALADIUM. 

Nothing among foliage plants in the conservatory will attract more attention than 
these. They may also be successfully planted out in Summer in a partially-shaded 
position. 

Agyrites. Small, but elegant ; white and green spotted. 
Belleymei. Large leaves, nearly all white, with a green network. 
Beethoven. White, veined with green ; midrib, rosy pink. 
Bicolor picturata. Fine, narrow, green leaf, with coppery-crimson midrib. 
Ganarte. Light green border, spotted with white. Center, bright rose. 
Chantanii. Bright crimson, blotched white, green border. 
Chantanii Pulgens. Spotted rose and crimson ; bright center, 
Duchartre. Green, with large white patches, shaded with blush-pink. Very fine. 
Hercules. Gray center, red spots and veins. 
Meyerbeer. White, veins green, midribs red. 
Prince Albert Edward. Groundwork green and white ; beautiful crimson midrib, 

shading ofiF from the center ; black leaf -stem. 
Pictum. Habit like an Alocasia, and may be kept growing in Winter. Kich green, 

with large creamy-white spots. Extra fine. 50 to 75 cents. 
Heine Victoria. White ground, with a few red spots ; green veins and border. 50 

cents. 
Triomphe de Exposition. Deep crimson center, with red ribs and green border. 

One of the finest. 50 cents. 
Prices, except where noted, 25 cents ; $2.50 per dozen. 



Dracena Terminalis. Crimson and brown. 25 cents to $1.00. 
Dracena'llndivisa. Long green foliage ; very graceful. 50 cents. 

EUCHARIS. 
These beautiful "Star Lilies " are among the choicest flowers in cultivation. 
Grandiflora. Lovely star-shaped, pure white flowers, four inches across, having a large 
cup in the center, similar to the Narcissus. Blooms several times a year. 30 cents 
to $1.00. 

Euphorbia jaquiniflora. Flowers, bright orange scarlet, in long wreaths. Indispen- 
sable for Winter. 25 and 50 cents. 

Fittonias. Various kinds. 15 to 25 cents. 

Prancisea latifolia. Deliciously fragrant lavender flowers, which turn to white as 
they fade ; blooming in Winter. 50 cents. 

Gesnera refulgens. Dark leaves, covered with crimson plush. Flowers, orange-scar- 
let. 25 cents. 

Gloxinias. Erect varieties, raised from the choicest English seed. Mixed colors. 25 
cents each ; $2.50 per dozen. 

Maranta zebrina. 25 and 50 cents. 

Musa. See Greenhouse Plants. 

PALMS. 

The following is a seclect list of rare and handsome varieties, which can be recom- 
mended of easy culture for apartments, conservatory decoration, or vase plants during 
the Summer. The prices vary according to size and rarity : 

Areca Baueri. 75 cents to $2.00. 

A. Lutescens. Fine yellow stems ; a beautiful palm of fine color and graceful habit ; 

for a dinner-table or greenhouse decoration. 50 cents to $6.00. 
A. Verschaffelti. One of the most elegant varieties. $1.00 to $6.00. 
Brahea (Pritchardia) Pilamentosa. Kesembles Latania Borbonica, hung with 

long white threads. $1.00 to $2.00. 
Carludovica Palmata. The Panama hat palm. In growth like Latania Borbonica. 

$1.00 to $5.00. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 45 



PALMS— Continued. 

O. Incisa. Cut foliage. $1.50. 

Caryota Urens. 50 cents to $1.00. 

Chamserops Bxcelsa. A handsome fan palm; fast grower and easy culture. 50 
cents to $1.00. 

Cocos Weddelliana. The most elegant and graceful of all the smaller palms. $1.00 
to $3.00. 

Corypha Australis (Australian Fan Palm). Of easy culture and good grower. 50 
cents to $1.00. 

Ourculigo Recurvata. A remarkably graceful palm-like plant, for decorative pur- 
poses. 50 cents to $3.00. 

Oycas Revoluta. (Sago Palm.) $3.00 to $5.00. 

Kentia Belmoreana. The leaves are beautifully crisp. $1.50. 

Kentia Posteriana. Robust habit and growth. $1.50. 

Latania (Livistona) Borbonica. (Chinese Fan Palm.) One of the most desirable 
for ordinary cultivation ; a good grower. 50 cents to $15.00. 

Oreodoxa Regia. 50 cents to $1.00. 

Phoenix Dactylifera. (The Date Palm.) 50 cents to $2.50. 

Phoenix Rupicala. A beautiful species. $2.50. 

P. Reclinata. 50 cents to $5.00. 

P. Sylvestris. 50 cents to $5.00. 

Seaforthia Elegans. One of the handsomest of greenhouse palms, of very easy 
culture, 50 cents to $5.00. 

Pandanus Veitchi. This splendidly variegated Screw Pine is one of the most attrac- 
tive plants. The leaves are light green, beautifully marked with broad stripes and 
bands of pure white, and most gracefully curved. $1.50 to $5.00. 

POINSBTTIA PULOHBRRIMA. 

A hothouse plant of great beauty, producing bracts or leaves that surround the 
flower one foot in diameter, on well-grown specimens, of the most dazzling scarlet. 25 
cents to $1.00, according to size. 

Poinsettia Pulcherrima Plenissima. New Double Poinsettia. Very brilliant scar- 
let, tinted with orange color; a dazzling color. The head grows on a specimen 
plant fourteen inches in diameter by ten inches in depth, giving it the appearance 
of a cone of fire. 50 cents to $1.00. 



Passiflora. (See Climbing Plants.) 

Peperomisa. "Arifolia" and "resedeeflora." 15 to 25 cents. 

Plumbago rosea. The scarlet Plumbago. A splendid Winter-blooming plant. 25 to 

50 cents. 
Thyrscanthus rutilans. The flowers are tubular; bright scarlet, borne on long, 

thread-like pendulous racemes, sometimes two feet long ; very graceful and pretty, 

blooming in Winter. 50 cents. 
Tydsea amabilis. A beautiful Gesnerad, with silvery leaves and bright yellow and 

scarlet spotted flowers. 25 cents. 
Tydsea insignis. Beautiful scarlet flowers, with spots of a darker color, resembling a 

ripe strawberry. In bloom all the year. 25 cents. 
Tydsea— Lady Digby. Rosy crimson, beautifully spotted. 25 cents. 
Tabernsemontana Cammassa. Pure white flowers, something like the Cape Jassa- 

mine, but with more delicate fragrance and texture, blooming both Winter and 

Summer. 50 cents. 

GREENHOUSE AND STOVE CLIMBERS. 

Allamanda Hendersoni. Noble, rich yellow flowers. 40 cents. 
Bignonia venusta. 50 cents to $1.00. 
Ciesus discolor. 25 cents. 



46 



E. D. STURTEVANTS CATALOGUE. 



aRBENHOUSB AND STOVE OLIMBBRS-Oontinued. 

Clerodendron Belfouri. Scarlet and white ; fine for cut flowers. 25 cents. 
Passiflora Princeps. Scarlet flowers in racemes, all the year. 50 cents to $1.00. 
Rhyncospermum Jasminoides. Pure white, Jasmine-like'flowers ; delightfully 

fragrant. 30 cents. 
Tacsonia exoniensis. Magnificent magenta flowers, five inches across, pendant, on 

long stems. 50 cents. 
Tacsonia Buchanani. Large, vivid scarlet. 60 cents. 
Thunbergia laurifolia. Large, porcelain-blue ; free blooming. 50 cents. 
Stephanotis floribunda. Clusters of pure white, fragrant flowers. Indispensable. 

75 cents. 

ORCHIDS. 

These are the gems of the floral kingdom, and many of them can be grown with 
complete success in the same house with Geraniums and a general collection of green- 
house plants. 
Bletia hyacinthina. Spikes of crimson flowers in Winter ; of very easy culture. 50 

cents to $1.00. 
Celogyne cristata. A charming kind for Winter. Flowers pure white, with wavy 

petals and a golden spot in the center of the lip. $1.50 to $5.00. 
Oattleya mossiae. Very large and showy. $3.00 and upwards. 
Cattleya amethystina. Blush-white ; lip, crimson-tipped. $3.00 to $5.00, 
Cypripedium insigne. Its flowers will last two months. $1.00. 
Dendrobium nobile. The most easily cultivated and flowered of all "air plants," and 

very beautiful. 50 cents to $5.00. 
Dendrobium. nobile pendulum. Far superior to Nobile in depth of color and size 

of flower. Pendulous habit. $5.00 to $10.00. 
Dendrobium moschatum. BuS", tinged with purple. Dark purple lip. $3.00. 
Dendrobium thyrisflorum. Creamy-white, with a golden lip. $4.00. 
Dendrobium densiflorum. Rich golden yellow. $3.00 to $5.00. 
Lselia anceps. Rich rosy crimson, blooming in early Winter. $2.00 to $6.00. 
Phaius grandifolius. Of easy culture ; fine for Winter. 75 cents and upwards. 
Phaius Wallichii. Very much larger and finer than the above ; rich buff, shaded with 

purple. $5.00. 
Phaius maculatus. Rich yellow flowers, and spotted leaves. $5.00. 
Stanhopea ineignis. $2.00. 
Stanhopea tigrina. $3.00. 

These last have very curious pendant flowers,'and a strong odor of vanilla. 
Zygopetalum Mackayi. Delightfully fragrant ; beautiful, and lasting a long time. 

$3.50 to $7.00. 
We have other choice Orchids. Those desiring to purchase would do well to corre- 
spond with us, stating the kinds they desire, and we will give them our best attention. 

PERNS. 

Our collection embraces the leading sorts of this beautiful class of plants ; their 
graceful and great diversity of foliage makes them much valued for Wardian cases, Fern- 
eries and rock-work where there is moisture and shade ; the stronger varieties succeed 
well when planted out in shade and moisture. 20 cents ; $2.00 per dozen, except where 
noted. 

Adiantum. (Maiden Hair). 
Assimile. 
Capillus Veneris. 
Concinnum latum. 
Cuneatutn. 
Decorum; 

Farleyense. 50 cents to $1.00. 
Formosura. 50 cents. 



Gracillimum, 50 cents. 

Pubescens. 

St. Catherinae. 

Trapeziforme. 50 cents. 
Alsophila Australis. Australian 
tree fern. $1.00 to S2.00. 

Asplenium Belangeri. 
Cyrtomiumi Falcatumi. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



Al 



PERNS— Continued. 



Davallia Mooreana. 50 cents. 
Dicksonia Antarctica. Australian tree 

fern. $2.00. 
Gymnogramma. Chrysophylla. 

(Golden Fern). 
Peruviana Argyrophilla. Finest 

silver fern. 
Decomposita. 
Sulphurea. (Sulphur Fern.) 
Lomaria Gibba. 50 cents. 
Lygodium Scandens. (Japonicum.) 

A climbing Japanese fern, of great 

beauty. 
Microlepia Hirtha Cristata (new). An 

elegant crested fern, of good habit 

and growth. 50 cents. 
Nephrolepsis Bxaltata. Strong grower. 

25 to 50 cents. 



Davallioides Furcans. A beau- 
tiful and ornamental crested fern, of 
easy culture. 50 cents. 
Nephrolepsis DufQ (new). Compact, 

elegant habit. 50 cents. 
Polypodiuna Aureum. 
Pteris Argyrea. A very showy, strong- 
growing fern, with variegated foliage ; 
excellent for interior or outside dec- 
oration. 
Cretico Albo Lineata. 
Palmata. 
Serrulata. 
Serrulata Cristata. 
Tremula. 

Tricolor. Very rich crimson veins. 
50 cents. 
Sitilobium Circutarium. A strong 
grower. 



LYCOPODIUM-SBLAGINELLA. 



Ceesia. Steel Blue. 20 cents. 

Densa. Resembling a light green cushion 

of moss. 15 cents; $1.50 per dozen. 
Denticulata. 15 cents ; $1.50 per dozen. 
Denticulata Variegata. 15 cents ; $1.50 

per dozen. 
Involucratum. 20 cents. 



Martensi Compacta. 15 cents. 

Martensi Variegata. 25 cents. 

Plumosa. Large, spreading, erect, fern- 
like. 25 cents. 

Wildenovi. Delicate, bright green, fern- 
like. 25 cents. 



SUMMER-BLOOMING BULBS. 

Gladiolus. Fine varieties, mixed. 10 cents each ; $1.00 per dozen. 

Hyacinthus Candicans. Hardy. See new plants. 25 cents each. 

Tigridia Pavonia. The most brilliant variety ; rich scarlet. 10 cents each ; 75 cents 

per dozen. 
Double Tuberoses. Strong flowering bulbs, 8 cents each ; 75 cents per dozen. Very 

extra fine, 10 cents each ; $1.00 per dozen. 



HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS. 

No true lover of flowers will be satisfied alone with what are called bedding-plants. 
This class of plants is quite as well worthy of attention. 

Cypripedium Spectabile (See Aquatic department). 50 cents to $1.00. 

Cypripedium acaule. 20 cents each ; $2.00 per dozen. 

Mertensia virginica. Porcelain-blue flowers. Extra fine. 20 cents each ; $2,00 per 
dozen. 

Hemerocalis fiava. Bright canary yellow. 25 and 50 cents. 

Iberis sempervirens (Perennial Candytuft), Covered in Spring with a mass of snow- 
white flowers. 25 cents. 

Punkia subcordata. The sweet, white Day Lily. 25 cents. 

Punkia ovata. Smaller blue flowers. 25 cents. 

Myosotis alpestris. This pretty blue Forget-me-not is hardy, with a slight protection. 
25 cents. 

Platycodon grandiflora. A new plant, belonging to the Blue-Bell family. The 
flowers are two inches or more in diameter, shaped like an inverted umbrella, and 
of a violet-blue color. Blooms freely for a long period. 25 cents. 

Platycodon grandiflora alba. A white variety of the above. Splendid. 25 cents. 

Plumbago larpentee. This charming blue-flowered plant is hardy, with some protec- 
tion. 20 cents. 



48 E. D. STURTEVANT'8 CATALOGUE. 

Primula vulgaris (the double white English Primroae). Needs protection. 25 cents. 

Tritoma uvaria. This does well, planted near water. Needs some protection. 25 
cents. 

Yucca fllamentosa (Adam's Needle). 25 to 50 cents. 

Yucca recurva. Recurved foliage ; somewhat tender. 25 and 50 cents. 

Ampelopsis Veitchii. A beautiful climber, clinging like Ivy. 20 cents ; $2.00 per 
dozen. 

Clematis Flamula (Virgin's Bower). Fine foliage, with small white flowers, in clus- 
ters ; fragrant. 25 to 50 cents. 

Clematis Jackmani. Large, rich violet purple ; very fine. 75 cents. 

Clematis coccinea. A splendid new variety, with flowers of brilliant coral scarlet, 
and very abundant. 30 cents each, pr four for $1.00. 

Clematis Crispa (New). Beautiful lave'hder blue, bell-shaped flowers; very fragrant. 
50 cents ; three for $1.00. 

Jsaminum Nudiflorum (Yellow Flowering Jasmine). Climber; producinr ^elloW 
flowers ; hardy with protection in this latitude. 25 cents. 

STRAWBERRY PLANTS. 

Sharpless Seedling. One of the most popular Strawberries in cultivation. 25 cents 
per dozen. $1.00 per hundred. 

THE NEW WHITE GRAPE "NIAGARA." 

First time ever offered for sale. The vine is remarkably hardy and an unusually 
strong grower. Bunches very large and uniform, very compact and sometimes shouldered 
— many weigh from eight to fourteen ounces each, and even more. Berries large, or 
larger than the Concord, mostly round, and a light greenish white — many semi-trans- 
parent and ambered in the sun. They never crack or drop from the clusters ; skin thin 
but tough, which enables them to be shipped to California or England in fine order. 
Quality good — and has a flavor and aroma entirely its own, and much liked by most 
people ; very little pulp — melting and sweet to the center ; parting freely from the seeds, 
and can be freely eaten by that class of people who do not swallow the seeds, as it never 
makes the tongue sore. Ripening with the Hartford Prolific. It hangs firmly on the 
vines until frost, growing better each day. 

A one-year-old vine set in the Spring of 1878, produced twenty-five clusters in the 
Summer of 1879, forty-seven in 1880, a large crop in 1881, and in 1882 had over forty 
pounds of fruit. This vine, the fourth year, gave an aggregate weight of the four crops of 
ninety-five pounds, while another vine, the fourth year from planting, bore one hundred 
and forty-five clusters. Price $2 each. 



THE PINK WATER LILY OF CAPE COD. 

(NYMPH-ffiA ODORATA ROSEA.) 

Though we have said much in praise of this plant, we wish here to emphasize what 
we have already written by saying that it is 

THE MOST ENTRANCINCLY BEAUTIFUL OF ALL 
NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN FLOWERS, 

and the loveliest "hardy" Nymphsea of any country. Though a somewhat expensive 
plant, its purchase will be an investment that no one will ever regret. 

NOTICE THE EEDHCTION IN PSICE— $6.00 Each, Two Roots for $10.00. 



INDEX TO AQUATICS. 



Aquatics, soil for 11 

Aquatics, Naturalizing Hardy 11 

Aquatics for Carp-Ponds 25, 26 

Aquatics, Hardy 19-26 

Aponogeton 23 

Cyperus 17 

Darlingtonia 19 

Egyptian Paper Plant 17 

Enemies of Aquatic Plants 12 

Floating Plants 17 

Floating Heart 23 

Grasses and Bamboos 24, 25 

Garland Flower 16 

Hymn to ihe Flowers 4 

Lattice Leaf Plant 16 

Lotuses 20-22 

Nymphroas, Tender 13-15 



Paok. 

Nympbseas, Hardy 19, 20 

Nympbfea Devoniensie 13 

Nelumbiums 21,22 

Ouvirandra 16 

Pink Water Lily 19 

Pitcher Plants 18 

Porcupine Plant 23 

Victoria regia 7, 13 

" Water Lilies." (From Atlantic Monthly.) 5 

Water Lily Tank 9 

Water Lily Garden 10 

Water Lilies, Night-Blooming 13-15 

Water Lily, Royal Purple 15 

Water Lilies in Tubs 11 

Water Poppy 16 

Water Fern 16 



INDEX TO GREENHOUSE PLANTS, &C. 



Page. 

Antigonon 27 

Asparagus 27 

Agapanthus 33 

Amaryllis 34 

Alocaeia 34, 43 

Batatas paniculata.... 27 

Begonia 28,34 

Bananas 40 

Bouvardia 28, 34 

Cannas 16, 28, 35 

Canna Etiemani 16, 28 

Carnations 28 

Caladium, Fancy 44 

Caladium, Tree 34 

Coleus 38 

Clematis 48 

Climbers, Greenhouse 45 

Climbers, Summer 43 

Chrysanthemums 29, 35, 37 

Eucharis 44 

Evening Glory 32 

Ferns 46, 47 



Page. 

Fuchsias 30. 38 

Geraniums, New Varieties 30, 31 

Geraniums, General Collection 39 

Hanging Basket and Vase Plant- 39 

Heliotrope 39 

Hyacinth, Summer Blooming 33 

Hardy Perennials 47, 48 

Impatiens Sultana 31 

Lilium 32,40 

Lycopodium 47 

Nasturtiums, New Double 31, 43 

Novelties 27, 33 

Orchids 46 

Palms 44,45 

Passion Flower 46 

Pelargoniums » 32 

Petunias 40 

Poinsettia 45 

Roses 41, 42 

Roses, New 32 

Violets 33, 43 



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" COJJSTDER THK TvILIES 



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